Raining Petals

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

For the love....

of money!!

So, I totally underestimated on my Mastercard commercial. I checked my mail today only to have my box filled with an onslaught of bills. I guess this is how it will be for the next year or so. So far my total in bills in somewhere around 18,500. One bill was even so nice to say, "We understand you do not have insurance. Please pay your bill within 15 days." To me that seems like kicking me when I am down.

I have a headache now.

However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. I went and talked to the financial counselors at the hospital. Glory Be they help people without insurance!! After we talked she said they could probably pay 80%...I won't know for sure until I get a new bill. So that will leave me with around 4000.00 for the hospital. What I don't like is that then there is the anesthesiologist, the labs, and the surgeon that all have separate bills. They don't do financial counseling either. It would be a whole lot easier if they could all work together and lump into one payment. Ugh...UGH!

I went on Monday and got the rest of my staples out. My incision is still very sore and still very ugly. It has not completely sealed either which just gives me the heebie jeebies when I look at it. I have a hole at the top and a hole at the bottom of the cut that just are taking their pretty little time. I want it to just go away so that I can feel normal again. I still can't bend over all that well which means cleaning, playing, lifting, all that stuff hasn't been happening. There is so much I want to get done and can't right now.

I will stop complaining now. You would think getting my appendix out has been the end of the world the way I am talking. In reality I am very blessed and I am thankful that I got taken care of and I am alive and have a clean bill of health...despite a big gash in my belly. I had my whole abdomen and pelvic cavities MRI'd and everything else looked great...so that is good to know! There are so many others out there right now going through so much more and would be really happy with my 18,000 bill...so to them I offer my prayers. I am thankful this is all it was and hope and pray that we stay healthy and out of the hospital forever!

I am done talking about $$ now.

13 comments:

Us Bailey's said...

Laura-- I'm sorry! I'm glad the hospital worked with you though! That would be a very big blessing if the hospital could help you out that much! Good luck!

munge said...

It's the pits, sweetie, I know. Been there, done that. However, if all of these bills are associated with the hospital, you can ask them to give you one bill. Everytime you get a bill send them 10 dollars. As long as you are making an effort to pay, they may be willing to work with you. I love you. Wish I had a bunch of money to give you.

Ashley and Dave said...

Um, not going to beat around the bush...the sucks. I was actually telling Dave about your Mastercard commercial the otherday and I said the $10,000 and he was like, that is super cheap if that is all she is getting charged. Ooops. Guess he was right. Sorry! At least you are alive and can still be funny despite your money sadness!

As for being poor, I super hate it. I hate going to a store and want to buy something but feel guilty because Dave just gave me a lecture about buying too much crap, so I cant. I honestly cant wait for the day, where if I feel like buying a sassy pair of shoes, I WILL! And while I am in the store, I see a purse...and buy that too...just cause I can! Please day...tell me you will come!!

Liz said...

I totally agree on the crazy multiple charges. It seems like everyone and their dog sends you a bill for something after you've been in the hospital. It's like, don't be surprised if the janitor sends you a bill to pay for his mop and soap bucket!
On the flip side, any money you pay out-of-pocket for this will be tax-deductible next year...I guess that's something to look forward to? ;-) Best of luck!

Unknown said...

Goo. That sucks. But on the flip side I am researching Wholesales and think I have a good solid strategy down. Now you just need to join me in my quest and we can make monies.

Cassie said...

bills bite!

Bradbury Bunch said...

Laura...I love you, I love you, I love you! Have you considered emailing Oprah or someone rich about this? I'm just so happy to hear that even though the healing is taking it's time, that you're OKAY! YOu make the world a better place, and everything is going to work out. HANG IN THERE!!!

Also, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture of you and Josh! That made my day already! I'm stoked you're going to be doing a photo shoot together too :), you guys are an amazing couple, and so meant for each other! We would have a ball if we were neighbors!! (maybe someday)

And GRAND idea about celebrating V-day when everything goes on sale and restraunts are not so busy! I can't wait to hear all about it, and we'll have to remember that next year if our YW don't pull through for us! LOL :)

**nicke... said...

holy C-R-A-P! 18 G's! i am so sorry laura. i will contribute to the benefit concert. i could make a quilt to be auctioned off... you just let me know!

Danielle Prince (Mingo) said...

Hi Laura!
Thanks for all the advice with Morgan. Swaddling is helping,and things are looking up. I know hospital bills are no fun. I promise though they work with you. Just pay what you can. I love reading your blog, it always makes me think and laugh

Brandi said...

Gosh! Sorry your hospital bill is so high. I am glad your healthy though. Thats the most important thing!

Kari said...

Yikes! Over $18,000? That is scary, but so awesome that the hospital worked with you. We ourselves once used the assistance given by the hospital when we were first married and without insurance. It rocks.

As far as the other doctors go, I'd call and ask them if there is anything at all they can do. It never hurts. Even if they won't knock any off the cost, as long as you're paying any amount of money they'll probably bill you interest-free until it's paid off.

Ryan and Leah said...

Ahh Man that is no fun! Man what would we have to stress about in life if we didn't have to deal with money! Good Luck and I agree with all that was said! So uh when you coming to Oregon!

Anonymous said...

I don't know what to say to make you feel better. Dumb bills, scar, and ouchiness. Why cant our bodies just be perfect! Do you know of anyone who would want and pay for a painting? I have a huge one that you could try to sell. It is just sitting around and I thought about donating it to the hospital...but this might be better. I can't pay for it to go all the way to...um wherever you live, but I could get it to Twin Falls. It is an idea??? Sorry I am not much help. Take care and hope you feel better.