The Conservative Cave
Current Events => The DUmpster => Topic started by: franksolich on July 30, 2010, 08:50:23 AM
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http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=222x90037
Oh my.
plcdude (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-29-10 04:32 PM
Original message
A question on health insurance.
A student just came into my office with a real challenge. He was volunteering with summer program for our university and accidently tore up his knee which will now require extensive surgery and of course expense. His parents are divorced and he found out that each thought the other was covering him and neither were so he is S.O.L. Would health care refom be any assistance to him?
DrDan (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-29-10 04:36 PM
Response to Original message
1. I certainly don't see how . . .
Statistical (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-29-10 04:36 PM
Response to Original message
2. Sadly not that I am aware of.
The only thing that even comes close is in 2013 insurance companies won't be able to put an pre-existing coverage limit on his knee injury.
Of course employer based coverage is already prohibited from having pre-existing coverage limits of more than a 12 months under HIPPA so I would hope he would be employed and with good coverage by then anyways.
You won't like this next part:
"He was volunteering with summer program for our university"
I would advise him to consult a lawyer to see if the circumstances makes the university in anyway liable and if so then sue them for medical damages.
mdmc (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-29-10 04:37 PM
THE MADMAN OF NEWBURGH
Response to Original message
3. he can go to the ER = an unique American solution
sure, he will be in sick ass debt, also an unique American solution.
I have full health insurance and cannot access affordable medical treatment so I really don't know if there is any help...
dflprincess (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-29-10 04:42 PM
Response to Original message
4. No
and once he runs up a bill at the ER - bankruptcy "reform" might not help him either.
Maybe Mom and Dad can put the costs on credit cards. The other industry who wins big in the insurance scam as many people will still find themselves using plastic to cover out of pocket expenses.
BTW - as this was a volunteer program for the University are you sure they don't have insurance that may cover him?
plcdude (1000+ posts) Thu Jul-29-10 04:45 PM
Response to Reply #4
6. I'll check that out to see if the university can help of course but I am not holding my breath and that one.
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It depends on the State and the formality of the 'Volunteer' program, but it is entirely possible the youngster may be covered by the State government employee version of workers comp on this.
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When does the "Buy Insurance after the Event" provision go into effect?
Here's an idea. Get the surgery and pay on installments. I know....
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Bet you can work out a payment plan with the hospital.
And if you make a minimum payment for a certain amount of time, they'll usually write a big chunk of it off anyway.
I just got my bill from an ER trip last month. $2200. Not knee surgery sure, but still pricey.
Guess what DUmbasses. The hospital is more than willing to work with me to pay it back. I just have to let them know what I can afford a month. Yes it takes a little work (and is therefore like garlic to a vampire for DUmmies) but it can be done.