Okay, not really. But I feel like curling into the fetal position.
Back in May, Tim had to go to the ER again. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. For some reason, the ER bills is nearly four times more expensive.
I’m writing a letter asking for clarification on a few things in the hopes that there are some errors. For example, the room charge this time is $2,554 whereas last time it was $756. On the second visit, he stayed just about two hours longer than on the first visit. The doctor initially wanted to admit him, so I’m wondering if we got charged for an admission that never took place.
Point being, even after discounts, we’re looking at $3,000 in bills from that little experience.
Today, our A/C wasn’t working. I had it set at 78 and it was 83 degrees. I went to check the air filter to see if it needed changing. There isn’t one. I guess when they installed the unit, they didn’t bother. And, since I was under the impression that you change filters once a year, I didn’t check it until now.
So my best guess is that the coils need cleaning. I called Sears and they’ll be out here tomorrow, but that will be probably $100-200 (if we’re lucky).
Oh, and while it got sweltering in the house, the motor for the living room ceiling fan burned out.
Finally, Tim’s upper dentures have a crack. They haven’t split apart yet, but if he uses them they probably will. So I’m going to try and find a dentist to give us an estimate on how much it costs to fix that.
There are denture repair kits out there (at Walgreens for example) but I really don’t want to risk ruining his dentures unless we’re essentially going to have to pay for a new pair anyway.
Anyone ever tried the denture repair kits?
If we have to get new ones, we’re looking at $2,000-3,000. Sometimes I wonder if we’re ever going to get ahead.
Cynthia says
We used a repair kit on my husband's partial and made it last for six years longer. We ended up repairing it twice over that length of time. It does seem you have had a run of bad luck. Here's hoping for a change for the good!
Abigail says
Cynthia — Thanks for your input about the repair kit. I'm going to call some dentists in the area to get estimates. If it's reasonable, we'll probably pay to have professionals fix it. But it's good know that the kits work, too.
dzsm says
Once you get your AC unit fixed, make sure you start changing your air filter every 3 months, not anually. You don't have to buy the pricey filters, but a dirty filter will make your system more inefficient, costing you more money. It will also decrease the quality of your indoor air if the filter isn't changed, which wouldn't be good for the two of you since you already have enough health issues to deal with.
Abigail says
Actually, at least down here, they recommend changing the filters MONTHLY. But the A/C guys said I should be the cheapest ones they have. Apparently, Home Depot has a 4-set for $3 (!)
Funny about Money says
It depends on the type of filter and on how many of those monster dust storms blow up. The higher-priced filters are supposed to last three months, and supposedly they work more efficiently. The cheapos should be changed out at least once a month, & don't expect too much from them.
Are you Costco members? They sell a good brand of AC filter for a decent price. Sizes are limited, tho'.
Heather says
Depending on how much your AC is used, some experts even recommend changing the filter monthly rather than every 2-3 months during hotter weather. You can buy washable, reusable filters if your system requires frequent changes, but I've never used one myself so I can't speak to their quality.
Abigail says
Healther: Everything I looked up said we should change them monthly. So I need to check them each month to see how they look and decide if a new one is needed.
Crystal R says
Man. I know how you feel! We're facing some nasty dental charges right now as well, alongside car repairs and bug issues and lots of other crap. I totally feel your pain.
Abigail says
It's always fun when things come down on your head, isn't it? At least it's not literal in either of our cases.
Cindy Brooks says
Yikes! I just finished paying $1700 for a root canal and this week we had to buy a new transmission…but these aren't much compared to what you've been hit with! hang in there!
Abigail says
I think a root canal and transmission definitely qualify as being hard hit! Ouch for the root canal and the cost of it!
jestjack says
MAN …you guys have had a run of bad luck lately! I would go over that hospital bill "line by line" and challenge anything you feel isn't fair or appropriate. Water under the bridge but can't stress enough the importance of maintenance and especially regular filter changes. Wouldn't get the cheapest or the best but rather one right in the middle…about $5-7 at Home Depot. AND in all my years of landlording I've never had a ceiling fan "burn out"…crazy….I would keep an eye out especially on trash day and at yard sales for ceiling fans, In my neck of the woods generally go for $1-2 at the flea markets with a generous supply available. Your mileage may vary… Here's hoping your luck changes …for the better!
Abigail says
Jestjack : Had I but known you were supposed to change them that often, I would have been doing so. As my mom said (when I told her how dumb I felt) "You don't know what you don't know."
Good idea on ceiling fans. The motor definitely burned out. There was quite a burning stench and it took forever to dissipate — even with the windows and door open. Blech.
I am working on a letter for clarification. I have to find out what department we address it to and make sure there's not a central office (it's a chain of hospitals) it should be routed to.
Funny about Money says
Check at the Habitat for Humanity store. They sometimes have things like that.
You can get a new one at HD for not very much. Look for the ones that don't have light kits.
Guest says
Positive thoughts and prayers sent your way… once this has passed, please, PLEASE consider setting aside some of the "rent" from Tim's folks for those months when ife simply sucks. Also, if I might suggest, as often as is possible fo the two of you forgo e.r. charges in favor of urgent care centers (there are many in the Pheonix area) which are FAR cheaper if you don't have insurance to cover costs.
Abigail says
We were actually planning to go to an urgent care center the next day. It took us a couple of days to get the name from a friend. If we had gotten to it earlier, we might have avoided the whole thing but…
As for setting aside funds, we are doing that — just in very small amounts while we get our bills sorted out. We are trying to get ourselves on the right track again. We've stocked the freezer so Tim doesn't have the excuse of no food he can eat. It's just difficult to get organized enough/have enough energy to cook when you're a depressive with chronic fatigue. It's an ongoing process.
Guest says
IF what you get from Nadine and Mark is not enough, coupled with yours and Tim's disability and their food stamps, then I'd recommend whittling whetever you can… cooking (or grilling) from scratch, etc. to reduce your monthly "outgo" in order to save for the months that are costly. Not just for yourselves, but for your futhure family, with a child that will eventually come. Smart financial moves now are better for your future child/family.Your own Mom is a great mentor for that, no?
Abigail says
For the record, we have whittled down costs substantially. The house set us back and we've just never quite gotten ahead again. I suppose it keeps life interesting.
RoIn San Diego says
HI Abagail. Good luck to you. It sounds like you're getting back on your feet. If you haven't already you should be looking at picking up a slow cooker. There are so many recipes you can cook without too much preparation – set it and forget it kind of thing. I don't know if you and husband have food allergies but if you don't it's a great help to have food cooking while you go about your day. Here's a recipe I just found that looked easy and inexpensive .http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Yummy-And-Super-Easy-Crock-Pot-Oatmeal-Recipezaar
Kat says
Hey, I know this post is from a while ago… But if it ever happens again…
The hospital is required to give you a line by line item of your bill. Review it, and you'll likely save yourself a bunch of money. Especially when you ask for clarification on the doublespeak. I can remember one noted instance where they tried to charge us 200 bucks for "mucus disposal systems"… Which would be facial tissue. Likely, you'll find stuff like medications that were never given, the admission that never happened, tests that weren't run… You may even find things like an ambulance unloading fee… When you drove. If you find something, call, ask to speak to billing, and argue your case in a calm but firm manner. Explain you will not put up with it, that you will report the inaccurate billing (too many of those pointed out to an insurance company means the hospital may face a class action lawsuit, or even loss of coverage if there's another hospital), and that you wish to speak to the ombudsman. That funny little o word will get you a plethora of help- its someone a hospital keeps on staff… To fight for you.
If you are being billed by your insurance company… Patient Advocate! This is a person who knows all of the billing codes, and will go through and play the best game of bullshit you have ever seen. It's amazing what they can find, and get removed.
Finally, if you go to the ER or hospital again, take 5 minutes before you go. Grab ALL of your medications, tissues, snacks, etc. Then, you can't be charged 20 bucks for one pill of a scrip you have on hand, 200 for tissues, or 60 bucks for a meal in the hospital. In addition, ask your doctor to justify every freaking test, procedure, etc. Do not be passive in the E.R. or hospital. I can't emphasize that enough- because it can bankrupt you.
Abigail says
Kat: We did get a line-by-line billing. And I did dispute most of it with the hospital. Alas, they were able to provide good explanations for the whole thing. In the end, we did get the 75% uninsured discount. In another two months, we’ll be done paying it off. Then we throw those payments onto the remaining ambulance bill and then the doctor bill. At least now he’s covered.