zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Apr 5, 2019 4:49:39 GMT -5
That woman that went into labor at 24 weeks was lucky. I had a coworker that delivered a 22 or 23 week baby. I've forgotten which now. My coworker had burned through a million in costs within a couple of months of the birth. Kid ended up staying in NICU for 8+months, and care for that kiddo ran in the millions.
Is the baby alright now?
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Apr 5, 2019 5:41:09 GMT -5
"Vice reports that medical costs in the States are known to be a matter of concern for Canadians traveling south. Stories of Canadians being bankrupted after breaking bones, getting in car accidents or even delivering babies while visiting the U.S. are well known north of the border, and travelers insurance hasn’t always been enough protection from American health care costs. " This is true. There have been countless horror stories of Canadians having travelers insurance, and the insurance refusing to pony up. That's the raison d'etre of insurance companies....deny, deny, deny. it isn't just the US though. a music cruise friend of mine was in Costa Rica, two days into what should have been a two week trip. she very badly rolled her ankle and slid down a hill near her hotel, shattering her ankle, fibia and tibula. CR hospital put a temporary cast on it so she could fly back to Canada for surgery, but Air Canada refused to let her fly with it for swelling reasons. so, she needed the emergency surgery in CR, and they wanted payment up front. we actually all rallied to raise $ for that surgery, and she was back in ON two days later. she said Customs was fascinated with the setup that CR had put on her, with rods going into her leg and looking like one of those racks people used to use to stretch the bones in another century. she has a very long road ahead of her.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Apr 5, 2019 7:39:09 GMT -5
That woman that went into labor at 24 weeks was lucky. I had a coworker that delivered a 22 or 23 week baby. I've forgotten which now. My coworker had burned through a million in costs within a couple of months of the birth. Kid ended up staying in NICU for 8+months, and care for that kiddo ran in the millions.
Is the baby alright now? Yes and no. Kiddo is almost 3 now, and physically meeting most milestones. Kiddo is legally blind, and still needs a couple of minor surgeries yet. Not sure where the cognative development is.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Apr 5, 2019 8:18:20 GMT -5
The wife of one of my many cousins had twins at about 23-24 weeks. Twin boys that each weighed a little over a pound. NICU for both for months.
One is blind, the other has lots of vision problems but isn't blind.
Both graduated from college. One is a teacher. The one who is blind took a long time to find a job. He now works for the VA in Chicago. I'm amazed at everything he does. He now owns his own condo. He takes the bus to work. All of his training was out of state when he was first hired.
He did have one manager who said the computer he needed was too expensive for the budget. That got solved. He couldn't do his job until he had a special computer. Now he has had several promotions.
Before he found a job, he was the mayor of his small town. He got 21 write in votes and the candidate on the ballot received no votes.
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justme
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Post by justme on Apr 5, 2019 9:26:31 GMT -5
I think if I was 24 weeks pregnant, looking to travel and buying travel insurance, I would specifically ask about pregnancy and travel. Just because you look someone in the eye doesn’t necessarily mean that they know you are pregnant. It doesn’t excuse the insurance company though. It wasn't the pregnancy. It was a previous bladder infection, which had cleared up. Her doctor gave her a clean bill of health attesting to that.. But, in insurance terms the clean bill of health means nothing. Unless you get a policy with pre-existing condition waiver - which usually costs more and has to be bought within a short time frame of your first payment to the trip - anything that happened to you 120 days prior to buying insurance is not covered. So I'm guessing a bladder infection had something to do with the labor if that's what they were pointing to as the pre-existing condition.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Apr 5, 2019 10:01:13 GMT -5
It wasn't the pregnancy. It was a previous bladder infection, which had cleared up. Her doctor gave her a clean bill of health attesting to that.. But, in insurance terms the clean bill of health means nothing. Unless you get a policy with pre-existing condition waiver - which usually costs more and has to be bought within a short time frame of your first payment to the trip - anything that happened to you 120 days prior to buying insurance is not covered. So I'm guessing a bladder infection had something to do with the labor if that's what they were pointing to as the pre-existing condition. Infection, or previous infection are 2 of the largest causes of preterm labor. Not only that, the vast majority of those infections that cause preterm birth are caused by either UTIs or vaginosis. This is well known in the literature. In fact, there was a paper released last month and publicized preterm birth associated with regards to secondary infections from the flu. So her ‘clean bill of health’ really didn’t apply to her pregnancy, only the fact that the bladder infection resolved. However, her just having her bladder infection makes her now have a pre existing condition for preterm birth. I hate siding with insurance companies, but this does make sense. Her OB would likely know this (or s/he should have). I’d be curious as to who signed off on this, because IME PCPs tend not to see the whole picture.
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justme
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Post by justme on Apr 5, 2019 10:02:49 GMT -5
"Vice reports that medical costs in the States are known to be a matter of concern for Canadians traveling south. Stories of Canadians being bankrupted after breaking bones, getting in car accidents or even delivering babies while visiting the U.S. are well known north of the border, and travelers insurance hasn’t always been enough protection from American health care costs. " This is true. There have been countless horror stories of Canadians having travelers insurance, and the insurance refusing to pony up. That's the raison d'etre of insurance companies....deny, deny, deny. it isn't just the US though. a music cruise friend of mine was in Costa Rica, two days into what should have been a two week trip. she very badly rolled her ankle and slid down a hill near her hotel, shattering her ankle, fibia and tibula. CR hospital put a temporary cast on it so she could fly back to Canada for surgery, but Air Canada refused to let her fly with it for swelling reasons. so, she needed the emergency surgery in CR, and they wanted payment up front. we actually all rallied to raise $ for that surgery, and she was back in ON two days later. she said Customs was fascinated with the setup that CR had put on her, with rods going into her leg and looking like one of those racks people used to use to stretch the bones in another century. she has a very long road ahead of her. Stories like these make me want to buy an annual medjet or something policy.
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justme
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Post by justme on Apr 5, 2019 10:09:13 GMT -5
But, in insurance terms the clean bill of health means nothing. Unless you get a policy with pre-existing condition waiver - which usually costs more and has to be bought within a short time frame of your first payment to the trip - anything that happened to you 120 days prior to buying insurance is not covered. So I'm guessing a bladder infection had something to do with the labor if that's what they were pointing to as the pre-existing condition. Infection, or previous infection are 2 of the largest causes of preterm labor. Not only that, the vast majority of those infections are caused by either UTIs or vaginosis. This is well known in the literature. In fact, there was a recent paper released and publicized about this with regards to secondary infections from the flu. So her ‘clean bill of health’ really didn’t apply about her pregnancy, which makes her bladder infection a pre existing condition for her preterm birth. I hate siding with insurance companies, but this does make sense. Her OB would likely know this (or s/he should have). I’d be curious as to who signed off on this, because IME PCPs tend not to see the whole picture. The OB didn't realize the terms of the travel insurance she had purchased (Hell, Most people who purchase it don't even slog through the actual terms) so OK'd it based on her saying travel insurance would cover it. Or is an OB who hadn't stayed up to date on that specific literature. Honestly, it's why I always get the one with the waiver if I'm going to buy it. Don't want the hassle of them connecting something random 4 months before I bought the trip to a trip that's 9 months after I bought it.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Apr 5, 2019 10:22:42 GMT -5
But, in insurance terms the clean bill of health means nothing. Unless you get a policy with pre-existing condition waiver - which usually costs more and has to be bought within a short time frame of your first payment to the trip - anything that happened to you 120 days prior to buying insurance is not covered. So I'm guessing a bladder infection had something to do with the labor if that's what they were pointing to as the pre-existing condition. Infection, or previous infection are 2 of the largest causes of preterm labor. Not only that, the vast majority of those infections are caused by either UTIs or vaginosis. This is well known in the literature. In fact, there was a recent paper released and publicized about this with regards to secondary infections from the flu. So her ‘clean bill of health’ really didn’t apply about her pregnancy, which makes her bladder infection a pre existing condition for her preterm birth. I hate siding with insurance companies, but this does make sense. Her OB would likely know this (or s/he should have). I’d be curious as to who signed off on this, because IME PCPs tend not to see the whole picture. Now that you explain it, it makes sense, but I wouldn't have known that if I were in her position. Is the responsibility really in the doctor to know what is in travel insurance policies? Seems that it should be on the insurance company to make that crystal clear, since they are selling the policy.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Apr 5, 2019 10:29:22 GMT -5
Infection, or previous infection are 2 of the largest causes of preterm labor. Not only that, the vast majority of those infections are caused by either UTIs or vaginosis. This is well known in the literature. In fact, there was a recent paper released and publicized about this with regards to secondary infections from the flu. So her ‘clean bill of health’ really didn’t apply about her pregnancy, which makes her bladder infection a pre existing condition for her preterm birth. I hate siding with insurance companies, but this does make sense. Her OB would likely know this (or s/he should have). I’d be curious as to who signed off on this, because IME PCPs tend not to see the whole picture. The OB didn't realize the terms of the travel insurance she had purchased (Hell, Most people who purchase it don't even slog through the actual terms) so OK'd it based on her saying travel insurance would cover it. Or is an OB who hadn't stayed up to date on that specific literature. Honestly, it's why I always get the one with the waiver if I'm going to buy it. Don't want the hassle of them connecting something random 4 months before I bought the trip to a trip that's 9 months after I bought it. With her infection, her previous low risk pregnancy became a high risk pregnancy. I doubt that the woman asked her asked her OB if it was ok to fly to Hawaii.....just go on vacation or fly. The OB very likely did not read the conditions of her travel insurance. There is a lot ot the article doesn’t say. Who treated her bladder infection? Did the OB know she had one? I have no idea how healthcare for pregnancy works in Canada, or how much communication there is between specialties.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2019 13:46:59 GMT -5
Yes and no. Kiddo is almost 3 now, and physically meeting most milestones. Kiddo is legally blind, and still needs a couple of minor surgeries yet. Not sure where the cognitive development is.
Wow- this makes me even more certain that the insurer was within its rights to deny the claim. A couple with a blind 3-year old and $1 million+ in medical bills and potential ongoing expenses would REALLY attract plaintiff's lawyers because juries tend to be sympathetic in cases such as this and look for a way to help these nice people and here's the Big, Rich Insurance Company just sitting on its millions....
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laterbloomer
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Post by laterbloomer on Apr 5, 2019 21:49:56 GMT -5
My work benefits include very good travel insurance, including extended health insurance. This means a lot to me. I really don't understand how you guys live with your health care system as is. I can't imagine dealing with health insurance payments, copays and finding the "right" doctor.
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Apr 6, 2019 7:23:57 GMT -5
The last time I had to use my insurance I called my son to get name of his ortho doc. Called ortho doc and made apt (three days from call, not emergency). Plunked down my Medicare card and $40.00, sat down and filled out paper work. 15 minutes later had hip xrayed and diagnosed. Prescription written, handed to me, went to desk to make checkup apt for 4 to 6 weeks later. Most harrowing experience ever He prescribed 9 sessions with PT and I went next week, plunked down Medicare card and $40. Did PT and left. Did only 5 session before PT doc said - you don't need me any longer.
Again the most harrowing experience ever.
Of course this was 6 or so years ago so maybe things have deteriorated since haven't had to use insurance since. I'll check back in when I have something to complain and/or bitch about
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Apr 6, 2019 7:30:14 GMT -5
Yes and no. Kiddo is almost 3 now, and physically meeting most milestones. Kiddo is legally blind, and still needs a couple of minor surgeries yet. Not sure where the cognitive development is.
Wow- this makes me even more certain that the insurer was within its rights to deny the claim. A couple with a blind 3-year old and $1 million+ in medical bills and potential ongoing expenses would REALLY attract plaintiff's lawyers because juries tend to be sympathetic in cases such as this and look for a way to help these nice people and here's the Big, Rich Insurance Company just sitting on its millions.... I don't understand the logic of this statement. Whether the company was right or wrong in denying the claim has everything to do with the policy itself.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2019 7:51:00 GMT -5
Wow- this makes me even more certain that the insurer was within its rights to deny the claim. A couple with a blind 3-year old and $1 million+ in medical bills and potential ongoing expenses would REALLY attract plaintiff's lawyers because juries tend to be sympathetic in cases such as this and look for a way to help these nice people and here's the Big, Rich Insurance Company just sitting on its millions.... I don't understand the logic of this statement. Whether the company was right or wrong in denying the claim has everything to do with the policy itself. I'm saying that if the company wrongly denied the claim (i.e. the wording of what constitutes a pre-existing condition would indicate that the company should have paid the claim), any attorney worth his/her BMW payments would be willing to take it on contingency and go after the insurance company. The fact that they haven't filed a lawsuit tells me that either they haven't consulted any attorneys, or they have but no attorney considered the case to have any merit. Another possibility would be that they consulted an attorney and were able to get a quiet settlement with the insurance company without a jury trial, but I doubt it would be in the news if they'd gone away happy.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Apr 6, 2019 12:03:14 GMT -5
My work benefits include very good travel insurance, including extended health insurance. This means a lot to me. I really don't understand how you guys live with your health care system as is. I can't imagine dealing with health insurance payments, copays and finding the "right" doctor. Because not everyone has problems. My Canadian ILs were amazed at the treatment I got for my infection, because they had only heard about the nightmares. Nightmares only get publicity, most people go through this without an issue. Last time I needed to go to the doctor, I had neck spasms that were not releasing. 3 hours after I called my doctor, I got in to see a PA. He had xrays taken (I have very mild arthritis in my shoulders), prescribed PT (I didn’t go....not needed because I could easily move my arm and shoulder after the spasms finally released) and prescribed a muscle relaxant. I just got the bill yesterday......$25. Oh, and he also rewrote my maintenance meds because my insurance company has a new mail order company.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Apr 6, 2019 12:31:11 GMT -5
My work benefits include very good travel insurance, including extended health insurance. This means a lot to me. I really don't understand how you guys live with your health care system as is. I can't imagine dealing with health insurance payments, copays and finding the "right" doctor. Because not everyone has problems. My Canadian ILs were amazed at the treatment I got for my infection, because they had only heard about the nightmares. Nightmares only get publicity, most people go through this without an issue. Last time I needed to go to the doctor, I had neck spasms that were not releasing. 3 hours after I called my doctor, I got in to see a PA. He had xrays taken (I have very mild arthritis in my shoulders), prescribed PT (I didn’t go....not needed because I could easily move my arm and shoulder after the spasms finally released) and prescribed a muscle relaxant. I just got the bill yesterday......$25. Oh, and he also rewrote my maintenance meds because my insurance company has a new mail order company. Exactly. I found a suspicious spot on my arm. I called the doctor at 8:30 and was seen 3 hours later. I got the results from my biopsy 3 days later and was seen at Fox Chase one week later. A week after that I had the excision to remove the cancer. My daughter was born with cysts in her one kidney. As soon as it was discovered in-utero I was seen at the big teaching hospital within days. Arrangements were made for me to deliver there (didn’t happen as she came in the middle of an ice storm). Since we couldn’t deliver there, they gave her 24 hours to urinate or we were being life-flighted there. She peed and all was well My youngest has had issues and I’ve never had an issue getting her seen by specialists or therapists I’m very happy with my healthcare and coverage
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Apr 6, 2019 12:35:43 GMT -5
I am not happy at all with healthcare coverage in the U.S., both from my personal situation and the reality that millions of people don't have access to it in this country.
I am glad it's working for some.
As for a $25 co-pay, being seen the same day, etc. it's not as common as you think. I've always had to call several places for appointments and generally I can get something one or two weeks out at the earliest. Low copays are also becoming a rarity as more and more citizens only have high-deductible plans available to them.
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violagirl
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Post by violagirl on Apr 17, 2019 9:40:39 GMT -5
Just had a friend's father die. Had diabetes and apparently didn't bother with insurance when travelling in the US. Not sure what happened, but they managed to get him almost back home - back across the border anyway -where he had emergency surgery to amputate his leg. He didnt' make it. Likely if it had of been dealt with a few days/weeks prior while in the US, he may not have died. There is no doubt that he would have forbidden them from stopping at a hospital in the US as it would have bankrupted the family.
I told my Dad who is diabetic and has had 2 heart attacks to make sure when travelling that he has coverage. Although the problem is it is hard for a 70 year old with preexisting conditions to get health insurance coverage.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2019 9:51:41 GMT -5
I told my Dad who is diabetic and has had 2 heart attacks to make sure when travelling that he has coverage. Although the problem is it is hard for a 70 year old with preexisting conditions to get health insurance coverage. Typically, if you buy it around the same time as you book the trip they cover pre-existing conditions- on the last international trip DH and I took he was 77 and he definitely had pre-existing conditions that needed coverage. I get it myself now- I'm 66 and healthy, but Medicare doesn't cover outside of the US and there are plenty of things that can go wrong when I'm walking on glaciers and scrambling over boulders, and there are additional expenses such as needing to re-book travel home, evacuation to a hospital, etc. that are vital if the worst happens.
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