Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Total Shock

So, today I noticed this letter on the counter from my insurance company. I'm looking over it and kinda not understanding what the hell it means. I went online and started reviewing my EOBs (explanation of benefits) and on one it said - You have reached your maximum benefit. This charge is not covered.

WHAT??????

So, I call the insurance company. Apparently, my drugs for IVF cost close to $12,000. Keep in mind that I know a lot of you don't have insurance coverage and that I know I am very blessed to have such awesome insurance. However, I am in total shock that in basically 8 months (not counting the month I was waiting after the miscarriage, waiting to start IVF, etc) I spent more than $20K of the insurance company's money on my body. This doesn't include the amount R and I spent out of pocket.

And we have nothing to show for this outrageous amount of money.

I am baffled.

I am sad.

I keep thinking about that baby that would have been due on December 1st.

I want to scream or hit something (No, Not Weasa for your Steel Magnolia girls).

I know I am lucky to have a company that offers 2 outstanding insurance plans and that my new DR accepts the 2nd one and that I am able to begin working with him and the new insurance in January.

I know I am lucky to have another chance.

I am scared that my second chance won't work.

I am sorry for those of you who face this terrible demon and have to pay for it out of your own pocket.

I am in Total Shock.

7 comments:

Tiffany said...

Yes, it is shocking and AWFUL. My insurance covers $2,000. Yes, that is all... and get this... that is a LIFETIME BENEFIT! Crap, total crap. Safe to say I met that. All I can say is thanks to internet friends for med donation, and at least the bills are a tax write off. Big hugs hun. Glad you can start back up in January.

Anonymous said...

Holy cow...that was the cost of the meds for ONE IVF cycle?!? That is insane! I've heard of them costing up to $5,000 or even $7,000, but $12,000? That is seriously crazy. For $12,000, I hope they were some GOOD drugs. :o)

If I were you, I would probably call everyone that was involved with the entire thing to double check that that everything was billed correctly. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this and hope that there was some kind of mistake somehow.

Lost in Space said...

Is that for both IVF cycles and your IUIs? Hopefully you at least had some meds left over from IVF#2 to use for IUIs.

I think ours were around $5k each for each IVF and a grand or so for IUI so this sounds about right.

I won't even start in on my disgust for insurance companies. We have great jobs with wonderful benefits, but none of the insurance plans cover IVF or anything IVF related. 100% out of pocket and working ourselves into the poor house. Something like $35k spent so far with another $20-25k to go for CCRM. Who needs retirement money (or groceries or clothing or....) right? (;

AnotherDreamer said...

Wow. That's a lot of money.

My insurance doesn't cover anything... so the thought of just coming up with the money for injectables is freaking me out.

Sending you hugs, glad you can get something going in January at least.

Shelby said...

I hate flippin' insurance companies. They can suck it. (I know, I am eloquent with words, what can I say)

Grrrrrrrr. (most eloquent of them all)

By the way, tiffany, I think we must have the same insurance because my PPO covers the same...and that's after a $3000 deductible!

When can our country get into the 20th century?

(by the way, check out my blog-you have been nominated!)

Dagny said...

That totally sucks. I'm sorry.

Good luck in January.

xoxo

Michelle said...

Wow! That is crazy. That makes me want to check my benefits. It covers the meds but pretty much nothing else. I am oing to look into it now. That is shocking and horrible. It great you get to try again in January and I hope it goes GREAT!