Are medical procedures such as heart attack, cancer, or something major very unaffordable even with insurance?

I have great medical insurance and dental, through Aetna. The only downfall is that they ONLY cover 50% of psychiatric/psychology. Which is a shame, since I truly believe that this country can really use a better mental health care system. I've unfortunately been to the ER countless of times, due to being sick and asthma, but I'm working at better maintaining my health. The total expenses weren't too high, they were anywhere from $400 to $4000 ish, for one visit, the $4 grand one including full xrays, CT scan, ekg, etc, and with insurance they all came down to about $50 to $200 ish, after going through insurance, so it's not unreasonable, and they DO have payment plans. However, what if something major happened. Surgery, heart attack, cancer. Wouldn't that catapult the total costs into the $100,000 range? And even if I have insusrance then, how much would they cover? This really scares me. Should I be saving alot just in case? How do we prepare for this?
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You are right to be concerned because insurance companies have all manner of exclusions and "caps" on procedures so you will find many times if seriously ill (as with cancer or heart disease) that there is plenty that the insurance will not do a thing about. How do you prepare for this? If you can get a catastrophic medical care plan, that might be useful to you. Many people have two or more insurance policies--and for good reason. IF you are eligible for an HSA, that's a smart move. Find some info here: http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/public-af… Depending on what your income as well as debts, etc. are, you MIGHT be able to qualify for some reduction in expenses for treatment with "charity" care but hospitals are loathe to offer this information and apparently don't have to post their guidelines for them either. You WILL find that in many cases, if you speak with the financial department and offer to pay in a very short space of time (such as a week) that you CAN get a discount on something you owe. The tricky part is when you're really sick, you can't find the energy or brain power to do this usually. Also if you have insurance you really do NOT know what they will cover until it's a done deal--and they likely will try NOT to pay even if they are supposed to. Still, as soon as you get an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurance, look through and see why anything was denied. You may be able to appeal that decision. Also patient financial services SHOULD be willing to look at any substantial bill AND your policy and try to do something to help you. They'll say it's not their job, etc. and in some cases, probably could get in trouble, but let's get real: the average person can NOT afford what the hospital charges the uninsured (or insured who have something NOT covered) so something is going to have to give. You SHOULD be very concerned no matter what anyone says because more than half of all bankruptcies in the US are owing to medical bills AND many of those people ARE insured. The system does not work well for a variety of reasons. You may also be able to get assistance through a charitable organization or such if you get buried in debt. You will also want any denied portions of a bill examined carefully as hospital billing errors are common. People are simply going to have to get over the notion that being insured means they are TRULY protected financially. It's not the case (see bankruptcies). There's a ton of misinformation out there on insurance, health care, and more. Insurance policies tend to waffle on important issues and because of their "caps" trick, many times you are told something is covered, BUT YOUR financial liability will be in the tens of thousands or more. You need to do everything you can to get to a BOTTOM LINE accounting for anything expensive. In an emergency, this is NOT possible to do, however, which is why the above suggestions are offered. To be blunt, there are NO guarantees that you won't be bankrupted no matter how careful you are or if you have policies. One of the other smart things to do is to do everything you can to get yourself as healthy as possible. Your diet, amount of sleep, exercise, not smoking, not drinking (the resveratrol can be had in grape juice), not drugging, not participating in dangerous activities (from driving fast to texting while driving as well as obvious things like bungee jumping), and having a reasonable weight all help. Get a physical and listen to the doc's advice. Get YOUR lab work numbers in good shape--whatever that means for YOUR situation. Even people who feel well should have a physical with just that idea in mind. Also get a health care power of attorney--find someone you can trust in case you're unable to speak for yourself--so you get the treatment you'd ask for IF you were capable of doing it. (You can be unconscious for many reasons.) Kudos to you for recognizing you're vulnerable. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah, and the current president of the US have nothing to worry about for medical bills. That's the complete list of people who should not be concerned in the US. Outside the US, many don't realize their national health has all manner of restrictions on what they can get--and when.
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Dentist in Austin TX that will work with us?

My husband needs some major dental work done. We've been in school for the past 2 years and don't have insurance. We're not looking for a hand out just some suggestions. We are looking for a dentist that will work with us and let us make payments or something like that. Or a dental plan (like insurance). Any suggestions?
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I would encourage you to visit this site www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up on-line over 5 years ago now for all me dental needs and they have saved me thousands of $$$ over the years. From root canals, cleanings, xrays, exams...etc. All services are included in this very affordable plan. Including cosmetic surgery, orthodontics and dentures. They even had my benefits active in 2 hours and was able to use it the very same day. Then, see if you could possibly work a payment plan with the dentist and/or carecredit is the most common for dental work.
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How do you fix the economy?

I had an idea, 200 a month for anybody 18 or older to have health insurance, car insurance, vision, dental, and life insurance. That will save everybody in the U.S. probably 50-100 a month, could insure everybody and create more money through out all income levels. What do you think?
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Drop income tax and impose a straight sales tax on everything you buy...everything. The more you spend, the more you will pay. Even people making a living doing illegal things (selling drugs, prostitution) have to buy stuff
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Dental implant now? or Bridge temporary?

I currently have a winged bridge fused to metal it's the tooth left to my two front teeth. I've had the bridge since I was 15...so about 6 years now since the tooth never came in. I'm looking into a dental implant- the insurance I got through my work currently has started covering implants this year. As well as I have insurance still through my parents. Unfortunately for this year I have used up the insurance with my parents (1500) on two veneers for my two front teeth. So I'm currently left with the 1500 on 2nd insurance. So my question is....Since starting next year I will have the 1500 through my parents to cover the crown for the implant and my 2nd insurance to cover the actual insurance...should I just wait until next year to do that? Currently since I still have the 1500 through my 2nd insurance should I temporarily get a new all porcelain winged bridge until next year? Or will doing this cause more harm to my adjacent teeth? Thanks!
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Be careful with the two insurance plans. A lot of insurance companies do coordination of benefits which means the second will balk at paying more that the max regardless of which plan paid the first $1500.00. The insurance companies coordinate their databases to verify that somebody isn't submitting above the limit. They instituted this when they discovered a lot of working spouses were covering each other with their work plans and getting around the yearly limits. If you can get the implant done later this year (it has to sit in place for 4-6 months) before the crown can be applied. After the first of next year get the crown.
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Dental Plan in USA: Which is the best and affordable?

I found out my global health insurance only covers emergency dental procedures here in the USA. Now i'm looking for a dental plan to make trip to dentist affordable. I will probably need a filling or two. What is a good dental plan to buy? (I've been looking at USAdentalcare.com)
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I would encourage you to visit this great website: www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up online over 5 years ago and they have saved me thousands of dollars on all dental services. From xrays, exams, fillings, Cleanings, root canals, and even my braces. They even had my affordable plan active in 2 hours and was able to use them the very same day. hope this helps
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Is there any1 who is a dentist here? Or a dental assitant?

I have recently visited a doctor in where we devised a plan to pull my remaining 5 teeth so I can get immediate dentures. I was shocked however to find out it would be 580$ even with insurance. He had said he was going to do a bone plaining or grafting procedure (not sure of the term here) so that my denture will fit more comfortably. My question is do I have to do this? can I just have my teeth pulled and the immediate dentures placed without the bone smoothing procedure to bring down my cost? I cannot afford all of that at this point, can I ask my dentist to forgo the bone smoothing for now? Will a dentist do that? PLEASE ANSWER! I need teeth! I believe the name of the procedure is Alveoplasty: Smoothing the Jawbone, do I have to have this? can I not get that procedure?
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You should ideally have the alveoplasty. With out getting into technical terms, it's hard to explain why. Just kind of think of it as trying to put in a road. The contractors first have to smooth the ground and area to get the pavement flat. It's kind of the same way with your mouth. The alveolar ridge is full of bumps and crevices. In order not to create more serious problems like gum erision, etc. they need to first smooth out the area where the denture will be seated. Hope that makes sense! Perhaps you can talk to your dentist about financing, or applying for credit through Carecredit.
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how much to get your teeth pulled at aspen dental?

I have some extra teeth that's in the back of my mouth, and also some teeth that really need to be pulled. I have insurance cigna but I don't want to spend at lot out of pocket. Help!!!
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With your dental insurance after your deductible it should be minimal. Aspen is very inexpensive and offers a lot of cut rate dentistry. good Luck
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Are there Orthodontists that do probono work?

I am 20.My dental health was never taken care of properly when i was young. I have some dental insurance but nothing that covers orthodontists or cosmetic procedures.I cannot afford good dental insurance. I have a "mutilated bite" one dentists told me. I have over crowded teeth and like a criss cross bite. My gums hurt me, I also have TMJ. Not only is my mouth painful, I am very self conscious about it. My teeth chip easily. I was wondering if there are any orthodontists or anyone that does cosmetic dentistry that do pro bono work or work for reduced price.I'd even pay installments, Is there anyone that can help me. or point me in the right direction. My teeth are only getting worse and i fear i will never have the lump some of money to get them taken care of.
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Dental schools sometimes have programs like this where service is provided by supervised students and offered to the public at reduced cost.
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Just lost my health insurance what do I do now?

So I'm a 21 yr old in college, I just got kicked off my parents plan because we can no longer prove that I am a Dependant. My main concerns are dental and birth control. I have two cracked caps on my molars because I grind my teeth, which I've put off because of school and work. And I need to get monthly birth control. Any advice on what steps I can take next? I'm in Santa Cruz county.
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Join the rest of us uninsured people. NOW you thoroughly understand why we need a national health care program. (Go Obama!) See if you qualify for COBRA. For dental, call your local (usually county) health department. They can usually either provide or recommend low-cost dental services. For birth control, I strongly suggest using the word "NO!".<<< If that isn't an option, check out your nearest branch of Planned Parenthood - they will help you with examinations, meds, etc. Unlike what those against Planned Parenthood will tell you, Planned Parenthood does a LOT regarding female health issues, and they do it on a sliding scale that depends on your income. Good luck (to us all).
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Why Are My Teeth In So Much Pain?

My teeth are killing me. The pain is unbarable sharp and I dont know why. I don't have any cavities so thats out of the picture. The pain just comes and goes and when it comes its so painful that I basically scream my head off and it last for like ten minutes. Does anyone know and I dont have dental insurance so please don't say go see one.
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If it IS gum disease you need to see a dentist, there is no way around it. However, some other possibilities... How do you know you don't have cavities? You cannot see most cavities and if you haven't seen a dentist because you have no dental insurance than you couldn't know. Or, you may have stress cracks in the crown of your tooth, pretty much invisible and if deep enough very very painful. You need to see a dentist, sorry :/ If you absolutely cannot, here is my last possible cause: grinding your teeth at night? Most people don't know they do it, and it can cause cavity-like phantom pains. If you sleep with someone ask them if they ever hear you, another way to identify it is if your jaw muscles are well toned or sore in the morning. To rule it out, buy a athletic mouth guard/ or a nightguard (which are more expensive). Boil it and form it you your mouth and wear it while you sleep for a week. If your pain COMPLETELY disappears then you have your culprit. I would like to say though, I recommend you go see a dentist incase this is more serious.
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How long do amalgam (metal) Fillings Last? My one is 32 years old.?

Any dentists out there? Here is the problem; I had my other 3 metal fillings replaced because they were so old, but when they went to replace this one, It was too sensitive and they could not do the work. I now have pain when I chew in that tooth most of the time. I also have no dental insurance even with a good job.
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I'm a bit confused. Why were you not numb when they tried to fix your tooth? If you were numb and they still couldn't touch it, did they x ray it to see if it had an infection at the root tip? It sounds like it needs a root canal and then a crown. Amalgam fillings have a very long life if taken care of. They do expand and contract with temperature change over the years and eventually they begin to leak under the filling. A large amalgam filling acts like a wedge in the tooth and with chewing, this wedge can cause fractures around it. This is what it sounds like is happening to you since you can not chew on it. The very least you need to do is have the filling taken out to remove any decay, if there is no infection to the tooth. They may put a temporary filling there, but these don't last very long. A composite (white) filling can be placed to help hold the tooth if it is having signs of fractures, but a crown is what it really needs. Check into Care Credit or see if they will let you pay the bill in 2 or 3 payments.
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Where can i get free or low cost Orthognathic surgery?

I have a prognathism problem. I would like to get it fixed but it'll cost me $25,000 here in CA. I don't think there's any dental insurance that will cover it. Where should I go?? Help!!!
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Hello, your options are very limited. My best suggestion is that you contact the "Out Patient Clinic" of the nearest Dental College...While the Clinic may not itself provide the surgical procedure you need as a regular service, it's possible that the dental professor that teaches Oral/Facial reconstruction procedures might want to use you as a teaching tool and do your surgery while allowing dental college students to watch the procedure and observe your recovery over the following weeks. It's certainly worth checking in to. You may find yourself the recipient of free dental services.
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I have to have a tooth surgically removed?

Can this go under my dental insurance? if not, how much does it cost to be removed, everything included. thanks in advance.
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I got A tooth pulled with out insurace for 60$ plus they gave me 2 percocet.
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How many of you would/have applied for this?

PARENT - Job Description POSITION : Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. RESPONSIBILITIES : The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs £5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION : None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. WAGES AND COMPENSATION : Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
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LMAO! First got the job 8yrs ago and have since been lucky enough to add two additional responsibilities into the mix! Hard work it's true, but there's absolutely nothing like that first smile in the morning, the hug that starts at the other side of the room and is at full tilt when it hits you, or the sound of your 2yr old saying 'wuv you mummy'. Also teaches you to appreciate quiet, lol!
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I need to get my wisdom teeth out and was hoping some one can help tell me a good place to go to?

Some place near litchfield park although I font mind driving a bit farther. Some place that accepts Humana Dental Insurance
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Call a few dentists in the Yellow pages. They are online too. Very few will take a new patient sorry. Expect a medical or a good health assessment before anything can be done.
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Need a dentist for 27 yr. old autistic son who can't brush properly and teeth are in bad shape. How do I find

He uses an electric toothbrush but doesn't get all the plaque off. Since his dentist retired I get the impression the new one doesn't want anything to do with him. He wants to wait 3 months and let the teeth get more rotten.(no fillings have been put in for over a year) They said my son will end up with dentures but I don't think we should do nothing for 3 months. He isn't yet on medicade and when my husband retires in 8 months we lose the dental insurance we now have. What dentist is best with special needs kids people and where? I'm looking for an orthodontist or possibly an oral surgeon if the teeth have to come out. Should I try case western reserve or the cleveland clinic or is there something closer to home. I live in Rome ohio. Do I need a second opinion?
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`See a homeopath for a tooth formula `strawberries are good at removing plaque ` make him 2 cups of green tea per day, take with cayenne pepper capsules , (or does he like chili) `cranberry juice with aloe vera juice & blueberries will help ` olive leaf extract will help to protect his immune system `when you get a good dentist ask him for non mercury fillings `avoid any chemical product and animals (too many parasites)
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If you get laid off from your job, how long more are your health benefits supposed to last?

I just got laid off from my job at UPS and the rule with the company is you have to work 60 hours the previous month to qualify for health/dental insurance. I did a great job there and there is a chance they could hire me back in a week or two, but in the meantime, are my medical benefits still valid for another month since I worked 60 hours last month? Or do they cease immediately because I've been "laid off?"
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It depends on how you have been paying for them. If you have been paying a month in advance then yes they would continue because they have to give you what you paid for. But if you pay for them for the month you are in then no because you have already stopped working there you can't go in and pay for them. Just call your HR they will know how long you have.
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How much will my income tax check be?

I made $12,000 gross pay I am single parent household with two kids 2 and 3 years old plus I pay group and dental insurance for all of us for about $60.00 week ...thank you
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Go to TurboTax.com..you can put in all this info and have it calculate for you. It's impossible for anyone to figure for you without your W2 statements.
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How much does it cost to get dental surgery to replace your entire mouth of teeth and get new teeth put in??

I do not have insurance, but need a payment plan...
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depends on what your replacing them with...Dentures would be the cheaper end and implants would be on the high end.. If you are close to Mexico , they have excellent dentists and many people fly or drive to Tijuana to see the dentists here. they are about 1/3 to 1/4 the price in the states...
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Can I still get a tooth crowned?

I had an accident with my teeth 3 years ago. Fractured 14 teeth, 2 root canals, 4 pulled, now one of my teeth I had a root canal done on had a temporary filling. Due to my insurance running out and no job with insurance I was unable to afford the crown. Now I finally have dental insurance and want to get a crown on this tooth- Can I? My old dentist wanted to pull it, I can't afford to be missing anymore teeth. I want to keep MY teeth.
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You should be able to get a crown at any time as long as the tooth is still "good" if it is loose, has an infection, or is starting to decay (get a cavity), it either needs to come out or get fixed first.
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health insurance?

if I wanted to buy my own health insurance (dental. medical, vision) not though my job. Where would i look online?
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The best place to start is by doing what you're doing now – asking for personal recommendations. I'd also check out Consumer Reports (link below), America's Health Plans (link below), US News & World Reports Best Health Plans, and whatever other informational resources you can find. I'd also talk with locally licensed health insurance agents. I've also included a couple of articles about choosing a health plan that might be useful. They are government-authored, but they're actually pretty good (all links below). After you've done some research, you should visit MostChoice.com. It's a Web site that helps you shop for health insurance. They have free instant price quotes and policy information on health plans near you, but their specialty is getting you in touch with state-licensed agents. There's no cost or obligation to buy insurance. You just fill out a short form and wait for the agents to contact you (within 48 hours). Have your questions ready and let them work until one of them delivers the plan that's right for you. You might want to have a set amount you want to spend each month on insurance and tell the agents to work within those parameters. You can find MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insuran… Hope this helps, Barnes@MostChoice
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in canada, where can i get the best health insurance?

currently unemployed, so have no health coverage, and have some dental work to take care of.. cleaning and several cavities! so nothing too serious, maybe an insurance that also covers the occasional massage would be nice.. ahah would love some information about company names and their offers if possible.... looking for something short term, monthly possibly? or at most an annual rate? whats the average these days anyways? would it just be cheaper to pay for it all myself? thanks! and all the best!
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Depends on your age, smoking status, gender, and what kind of coverage you need. You should expect to pay at least $50-$100 min a month for it. Of course, its worth pointing out that you can claim a non-refundable tax credit on your income taxes for the premiums paid.
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what happens if in the beginning of the year, i get dental help that depletes the yearly max and I lose my job?

can the insurance company refuse to pay because i was not employed the whole time and hence did not pay premiums for the whole year. Am I liable to pay the amount if the Insurance company refuses to pay?
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If you were covered when you had the work done, they pay for it (according to the plan),
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does anyone have experience with NYU dental care?

I have no insurance but i need cosmetic dentist desperately. I am thinking of using nyu because i hear its affordable but i am afraid of having a student practicing on me. If you have any experience using them please let me know honestly how it went.
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Well I have never attended NYU, but as a dental student I can assure you that students who are performing procedures are closely supervised by a licensed dentist to make sure that they are doing everything correctly so a mistake does not tend to happen since a lot of hours studying, watching, and performing on fake patients prepares students for the real thing, rest assured that the quality of work is the same if not better than a regular dentist. Also I hear NYU has a great dental program. Hope this helps, 3rd Year Dental Student
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