CCL
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
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Post by CCL on Jul 5, 2023 19:01:33 GMT -5
Adjusting medications is mentioned as an example of what would be billed. I guess if you call and leave a phone message the old fashioned way it might not be billed? My doc sets up phone visits for followup/adjusting medications. He'll also answer any questions I have. Works great for me. He does charge, which I'm fine with. My insurance pays half, so my portion is $26.
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countrygirl2
Senior Associate
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Post by countrygirl2 on Jul 6, 2023 1:03:07 GMT -5
I went to a minor ER up here last time I was here. I presented my insurance cards, I owe nothing, have Plan F supplement it picks up everything.
I keep getting a bill for $271. This time I sent the office and the billing company copies of my cards once again. I will see what they do next, I have had 3 bills so far. Probably a collection agency next, now that irritates the heck out of me.
My primary orders blood work about every 6 months. Our endocrinologist orders it about every 3 months but likely because of the meds we are on. I look everything up in our patient portal, so far its reliable. Our local small town hospital is quite prompt on lab work.
I like my primary, been going to her for 11 years, my hubs choose a different doc because he doesn't like her, sigh. Now he has changed twice because one left, we both like him but he had a better opportunity so he and his wife took it, don't blame them.
The other specialists I've been too are ok, but one retired and the other went to a bigger city, he is my neurologist and we are doing telemed. He said until my essential tremors get worse he will treat me via phone or video. I can go to his office its about 100 miles away. But likely will have to get one locally eventually.
The only docs I have had I didn't like were both gastro docs and I will be on the look out for a new one. The last said after age 70 you no longer have to get a colonoscopy, never hear that before. Noone will do one for DD, she has diverticulosis from her stomach to rectum. She had a resection at age 25, and likely will have to have her colon removed one day, so far her primary and flagyl keeps it in check, so far. Having Williams syndrone is a major factor.
But so far I'm happy with her care, she has medicare and medicaid and has decent doctors in our local area. Most of our billings are handled well, so I have, at this time, no major complaints.
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weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
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Post by weltschmerz on Jul 6, 2023 13:24:06 GMT -5
I went to a minor ER up here last time I was here. I presented my insurance cards, I owe nothing, have Plan F supplement it picks up everything. I keep getting a bill for $271. This time I sent the office and the billing company copies of my cards once again. I will see what they do next, I have had 3 bills so far. Probably a collection agency next, now that irritates the heck out of me. My primary orders blood work about every 6 months. Our endocrinologist orders it about every 3 months but likely because of the meds we are on. I look everything up in our patient portal, so far its reliable. Our local small town hospital is quite prompt on lab work. I like my primary, been going to her for 11 years, my hubs choose a different doc because he doesn't like her, sigh. Now he has changed twice because one left, we both like him but he had a better opportunity so he and his wife took it, don't blame them. The other specialists I've been too are ok, but one retired and the other went to a bigger city, he is my neurologist and we are doing telemed. He said until my essential tremors get worse he will treat me via phone or video. I can go to his office its about 100 miles away. But likely will have to get one locally eventually. The only docs I have had I didn't like were both gastro docs and I will be on the look out for a new one. The last said after age 70 you no longer have to get a colonoscopy, never hear that before. Noone will do one for DD, she has diverticulosis from her stomach to rectum. She had a resection at age 25, and likely will have to have her colon removed one day, so far her primary and flagyl keeps it in check, so far. Having Williams syndrone is a major factor. But so far I'm happy with her care, she has medicare and medicaid and has decent doctors in our local area. Most of our billings are handled well, so I have, at this time, no major complaints. How much does this Plan F cost?
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wvugurl26
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 15:25:30 GMT -5
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Post by wvugurl26 on Jul 6, 2023 13:27:04 GMT -5
If they were setting up a phone visit it would be one thing. If I'm sending a My Chart message requesting something that's another thing entirely. Before I had sinus surgery when I had sinus infections, the doctor would say call back if this doesn't work and I'll add x. If that was charged, I'd be annoyed since it was contemplated at the time of my original appointment.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jul 15, 2023 11:44:38 GMT -5
So last week, I got a phone call from my GYN clinic telling they were sending me to collections. I called again, and the business office said my appeal was still in review. However, I needed to pay and if Medicare paid, I’d be reimbursed.
I snorted. Yeah, I’m sure.
But I paid the damn $200 bill because I don’t need the ding on my credit. So the appointment was in May of 2022. They don’t bill Medicare until at least Feb as I got an EOB denying it in March. I get my first bill in March. I don’t get home until June. They take at least 8 months to bill my insurance, then want payment NOW?
On my way up to BC, there was a message from the clinic that there’s been an answer on my appeal. I’ll have to wait until next week to call. My phone is being stupid. Along with MPL, we are likely giving Ting the heave ho.
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TheOtherMe
Distinguished Associate
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jul 15, 2023 13:58:54 GMT -5
My clinic didn't bill Medicare for the physical or visit later that week before billing the insurance company.
Since I do know about it, I will call the billing office on Monday to hopefully straighten this out.
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countrygirl2
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 7, 2016 15:45:05 GMT -5
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Post by countrygirl2 on Jul 15, 2023 22:27:45 GMT -5
My supplement for plan F is over $300 a month. I also pay for part D and part B. My insurance is very good except for scripts and its better this year than last.
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CCL
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
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Post by CCL on Jul 15, 2023 22:46:32 GMT -5
So if you're still paying for Parts B and D, what's so great about Plan F that makes it worth the cost?
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jul 16, 2023 0:36:42 GMT -5
So if you're still paying for Parts B and D, what's so great about Plan F that makes it worth the cost? Part B is the part that is required by everyone. Part D is prescriptions. Both of these are required as basic Medicare, and both are subject to IRMAA. Plan F is the 20% Medicare doesn’t pay, plus other stuff.
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countrygirl2
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 7, 2016 15:45:05 GMT -5
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Post by countrygirl2 on Jul 16, 2023 1:16:16 GMT -5
Yes, plan F will pay for anything not picked up by medicare part A and will also cover all docs visits, if B doesn't pick it all up, and all my deductibles. I think it is worth the cost in my case. You need a supplement anyway so might as well have a good one. It is no longer offered so I am grandfathered in it. Come to think of it, it might be for some new enrollees.
I just finished pressing 11 garments for me and 5 for DD. Most of hers are stretch material that doesn't need ironed, but our tops look a lot better.
The iron I bought is nice but the ironing board is light and a bit smaller so worthless. I paid about $40 as I didn't want to pay $80 or so for a good one just for here. Well I should have, when you iron on the end of this one it wants to tip. I will look around, maybe I can find a better one on sale or in a yard sale.
My back is hurting tonight, the spot under my bra, in back, is out of place, I can feel it, I need my chiro, but will be awhile before I get to him again.
Well, I may still cook me a piece of steak, not much, DD doesn't want any, so just me.
I am done for today.
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jerseygirl
Senior Member
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Post by jerseygirl on Jul 16, 2023 5:51:54 GMT -5
So if you're still paying for Parts B and D, what's so great about Plan F that makes it worth the cost? We have Part F also , it’s called a Medigap policy Pays for the 20% that Medicare doesn’t plus the initial deductible. No coinsurance for a doctor visit, no need to get approval for specialist we can go to any doctor or hospital we want. Best part is that having Medicare plus Part F means that insurance pays for all doctor visits and hospital costs . We just pay quarterly and we don’t need to constantly keep track of what bills have or haven’t been paid, making out checks etc. Part G is similar but doesn’t pay for the initial deductible. Part F doesn’t accept new people but Part G replaces and is lower cost for now.
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CCL
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
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Post by CCL on Jul 16, 2023 6:52:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. I do have some understanding of the supplements. The cost was what surprised me. Hubby has G, but $114 a month. The only difference I found was deductible coverage. I guess CG's is more due to her age?
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Jul 16, 2023 7:39:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. I do have some understanding of the supplements. The cost was what surprised me. Hubby has G, but $114 a month. The only difference I found was deductible coverage. I guess CG's is more due to her age? Yes increases with age We’re keeping F cause thinking deductible will increase over the years. Plus inertia!! We have F don’t want to go through applying paperwork etc
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jul 16, 2023 9:12:48 GMT -5
Part B is not mandatory. I know several of my higher incoming earning former federal co-workers who didn't get it.
They keep their federal employee retirement plan and pay the co-pays. One sets it's cheaper because of IRMAA. The other, who is now in his 80's, has kept track of the differences. He would have been ahead with Part B.
Between Medicare and my federal employee retirement plan, the only out of pocket expenses I have had is prescription drugs. My gallbladder surgery cost zero dollars out of pocket.
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wvugurl26
Distinguished Associate
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Post by wvugurl26 on Jul 16, 2023 10:29:30 GMT -5
Supplement costs increase with age/health conditions. My grandma's was over $300/month when she passed away. And that was with me shopping it around in 2022 because her old insurer hiked it to $400/month.
She took a few cheap prescriptions and went to the doctor twice a year. At the end, the ER bill was more than the hospital bill for 2 days and they didn't even do much in the ER.
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