Negotiating the high cost ongoing care
Date: Thu, 02/17/2011 - 16:26
My maximum out of pocket expense for the year is reached on my first infusion of the year for which I'm responsible to pay the provider about $4000. That bill just arrived.
A new doctor that is taking over my case (because we moved) is inclined to move my home infusion services to a different provider that he knows better although he asked me if I wanted to stay with my current provider who I've used for the past 2 years. I told him that I didn't care if he moved my care to a different provider but after I left his offices I got to thinking.
Having my account will generate almost $100,000 ($8200 x 12) in revenue for the infusion provider. Do you think I can negotiate getting my current provider's $4000 bill forgiven in exchange for directing the doctor to keep them as my infusion provider for the rest of the year?
FYI, I'm really in a tough financial spot and I don't know how I'll pay the $4000. I'm 61, can't find a job, and have used up all of my assets. It's all I can do to pay my medical insurance premiums.
I don't know for sure. However, you have to talk to your insuran
I don't know for sure. However, you have to talk to your insurance provider for that. However, I don't think the insurance provider will agree to forgive the entire bill amount. They may agree to forgive a certain part of it but not the whole amount.
You can always negotiate in order to get the bill of $4,000 for
You can always negotiate in order to get the bill of $4,000 for your current provider forgiven. But it will be completely the discretion of the current provider whether or not he will forgive the bill.
Isabella, Thanks for your reply. It wouldn't be the insurance
Isabella,
Thanks for your reply. It wouldn't be the insurance company forgiving the debt, it would be the infusion provider. By forgiving the debt they would remain my provider of choice for the rest of the year gaining another $90,000 or so in revenue. If they don't agree then they'll lose my business and I'll pay them the $4000 as I'm able.
Anna, Thanks for replying. I'm aware that the infusion provide
Anna,
Thanks for replying. I'm aware that the infusion provider can say "yes" or "no" on my offer. What I'd really like some additional insight into would be:
- is my premise that "my ongoing business with the infusion provider is a valuable commodity that warrants a write-off of $4000" a valid negotiating position?
- how can I increase my odds that they'll say, "yes"?
- Are write-offs like this common?
- Does the insurance company care if a provider negotiates a write-off on an insured's deductible amount?
Thanks!