Mrs. Tex
enthusiast
Posts: 282
Loc: Allen
Reg: 11-01-07
|
07-09-13 02:14 PM - Post#162064
I know this is opening a can but...how do middle class folks WITH insurance pay for a MRI their child needs that cost $1000 out of pocket!! We will NEVER have $1000 laying around to spend on a no-life threating knee injury yet it still needs attention. Makes me wonder if I DIDN'T have insurance could I walk into Parkland & it's "paid for' ( I know, by the tax payers )
Just not right!!
Better now, had to vent!
|
ReadingRainbow
enthusiast
Posts: 753
Loc: Allen
Reg: 10-19-07
|
07-09-13 02:36 PM - Post#162065
In response to Mrs. Tex
Wow, I've had a LOT of MRIs (have MS) and they were fully covered. Was it the hospital that told you it would be that much or your insurance company?
| Want to change your life? Visit www.acocares.org and learn how YOU can change your life by helping others! |
|
denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9075
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
|
07-09-13 03:24 PM - Post#162066
In response to Mrs. Tex
Have you met your deductible yet? If not, that may be the reason for the large out of pocket expense. Most people experience that at the beginning of the year, but if you haven't had any medical expenses up until now, it could be the reason.
|
RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1386
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
|
07-09-13 04:31 PM - Post#162067
In response to Mrs. Tex
Just this morning there was a story on NPR regarding a site to find discounted medical procedures, it is called DealWell.com. It is an interesting concept, basically elective procedures at discounted prices. I have never used this site or know anyone who has, but it is an option.
Here is a Link to the story.
|
mgrayar
enthusiast
Posts: 3684
Reg: 09-25-09
|
07-09-13 04:44 PM - Post#162068
In response to RRRquilter
Sounds like your plan has a high individual deductible. A lot of individual plans do as a means of keeping the premiums reasonable.
Learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and how you can help at:
http://www.cff.org
Everyone can make a difference! |
|
bsnelson
enthusiast
Posts: 812
Loc: Allen, TX 75013
Reg: 10-14-05
|
07-09-13 05:07 PM - Post#162069
In response to mgrayar
I'm on a group plan (employee plus spouse), and our "high deductible" plan has a $3,200 out of pocket maximum PER PERSON. Unfortunately, I had some issues back in January/February that caused me to hit that, and I'll be making payments on that $3,200 for the rest of the year. The good news, though, is that everything except copays is covered 100% for the rest of the year.
Speaking of payments, many places will either let you make no interest payments, or can hook you up with some zero interest lenders that will pay the provider in full, and let you pay the lender. That's what I'm doing with mine.
Finally, the other thing is to always ask your doctor if the more expensive test is really necessary. We used to do a lot of good diagnostic work before there were MRIs.
Either way, good luck to the OP!
Brad
|
Mrs. Tex
enthusiast
Posts: 282
Loc: Allen
Reg: 11-01-07
|
07-09-13 05:17 PM - Post#162070
In response to bsnelson
Yes, it because of the high individual deductible + 20% after....Yes, this is a needed procedure if we choose to forgo the $$, it's the only way to get true answers.
|
PartyOfEight
enthusiast
Posts: 168
Reg: 12-09-07
|
07-09-13 05:59 PM - Post#162071
In response to Mrs. Tex
For that kind of money, you could travel to Mexico, Costa Rica or any number of other destinations, have the MRI and bring it back for your doctor all while saving a ton of cash.
http://www.medicaltourismco.com/mexico-hospitals/m...
Edited by PartyOfEight on 07-09-13 06:03 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
V-Girl
enthusiast
Posts: 2817
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 07-12-01
|
07-09-13 06:06 PM - Post#162072
In response to Mrs. Tex
We just make payments.
Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it. 
Will work for shoes!  |
|
Allensince1993
enthusiast
Posts: 172
Reg: 06-06-12
|
07-09-13 07:08 PM - Post#162073
In response to PartyOfEight
Believe it or not, ideas like this are good. In fact Thailand (other areas, too) are setting up unbelievable facilities that do heart surgeries, etc. I've seen some amazing coverage on this surge of out-of-country procedures.
James DeLaGarza
Realtor/Broker since 1992 |
|
PartyOfEight
enthusiast
Posts: 168
Reg: 12-09-07
|
07-10-13 10:20 AM - Post#162080
In response to Allensince1993
Here's a little more information. Based on this Tripadvisor report, an MRI in Puerto Vallarta would run around $300 US. R/T tickets to PVR would run maybe $350 each and there could be an all-inclusive week at a resort for another $1200-$1500. http://www.villagroupresorts.com offers an all-inclusive resort package at their beautiful locations for $250 - $500 a couple for a full week, provided you attend a one hour sales presentation for their time share locations. I've sat through it and received minimal pressure. Once the presentation was complete, we enjoyed a wonderful vacation. This would be my first option if I were in a similar situation. Well, actually, Malaysia, Philippines or Indonesia would be my first choice, but that would defeat the purpose of trying to save money. Although, purchasing tickets to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur far enough in advance can be as little as $1k each. With very nice hotels running $30-$50 a nite and meals roughly $2.00, one could plan ahead and still save while on an exotic vacation. Hope this helps.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150793-i46 -k...
Edited by PartyOfEight on 07-10-13 10:30 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
|
mgrayar
enthusiast
Posts: 3684
Reg: 09-25-09
|
07-10-13 11:35 AM - Post#162081
In response to PartyOfEight
I think they were concerned that $1000 was too expensive. That sounds a lot more expensive, but if they are planning a vacation anyway I could see it being an option.
Learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and how you can help at:
http://www.cff.org
Everyone can make a difference! |
|
runner
member
Posts: 49
Reg: 06-24-08
|
07-10-13 12:30 PM - Post#162082
In response to Mrs. Tex
Don''t know what type of facility you're using, but hospitals and surgical centers are more expensive and usually will require more out of pocket from you even if you've met your deductible based on standard insurance coverages.
I have had numerous MRIs and have used Envision imaging here in Allen a few times. About $700 - $800 based on body part. They have a 1.5 Tesla short bore machine that has satisfied various doctor requirements. Evening appts are available as well as Saturdays I believe. Super handy
|
MCDUFF
enthusiast
Posts: 261
Reg: 08-21-03
|
07-10-13 12:34 PM - Post#162084
In response to mgrayar
Does any of this require scheduling the knee injury to qualify for off-season rates or 21 day advance purchase? I would suspect, if the knee injury were serious, day of departure prices would make $1k for a co-pay seem like a bargain.
|
Liz
newbie
Posts: 9
Reg: 08-29-08
|
07-10-13 02:04 PM - Post#162087
In response to MCDUFF
I have a $450 co pay for MRIs.
|
Jeremy
enthusiast
Posts: 254
Loc: Allen, Tx
Reg: 06-20-11
|
07-10-13 02:43 PM - Post#162089
In response to Liz
My family also uses Envision Imaging in Allen. Our insurance covers 90% of Outpatient diagnostics like MRIs. I believe the last time my cost was between $150 - $200.
|
ConserveNature
member
Posts: 91
Reg: 10-15-05
|
07-11-13 11:28 AM - Post#162111
In response to Mrs. Tex
Found a site that provides averages in Dallas area for different types of MRIs. It won't help making your cost less but at least you know the average.
http://www.newchoicehealth.com/directory/cityproce...
Like someone suggested, I would talk to the doctor or place providing MRIs what are the alternatives for payment (without putting it on a credit card). Maybe even the insurance company can provide info. There has to be some way for people without insurance to pay big medical bills without high interest rates.
|
sco
enthusiast
Posts: 2698
Loc: allen,TX USA
Reg: 10-26-02
|
07-13-13 11:01 AM - Post#162151
In response to Mrs. Tex
I know this is opening a can but...how do middle class folks WITH insurance pay for a MRI their child needs that cost $1000 out of pocket!! We will NEVER have $1000 laying around to spend on a no-life threating knee injury yet it still needs attention. Makes me wonder if I DIDN'T have insurance could I walk into Parkland & it's "paid for' ( I know, by the tax payers )
Just not right!!
Better now, had to vent!
$1000 out of pocket sounds high but I don't know your plan. You can probably negotiate with the hospital and/or set up a payment plan. It is a fallacy that if you don't have insurance medical care at Parkland is free. If you go to Parkland they will send you a bill and expect payment, insurance or not.
|
lostyankee
enthusiast
Posts: 1299
Reg: 10-27-05
|
07-13-13 04:46 PM - Post#162154
In response to sco
Do NOT get it done at a hospital. It will cost you easily double if not more, depending on the procedure. Shop around, don't just go where the Dr. suggests, they don't have any skin in the game.
|
MO
enthusiast
Posts: 329
Reg: 07-31-08
|
07-15-13 12:38 PM - Post#162191
In response to Mrs. Tex
Yes, it because of the high individual deductible + 20% after....Yes, this is a needed procedure if we choose to forgo the $$, it's the only way to get true answers.
If you have any flexibility on when to have it done, wait until the insurance rolls into the next year. It won't save you any money up front, but it'll do a good job of eating up that year's deductible, making any subsequent visits for the year alot less.
|
