I recently have some skin issue that requires a minor procedure which turned out to be 6.2k. I don’t have much liquid cash, I only have about 9.3k, which I worked hard over the last few months to save for and by paying 6.2k means that i will have to wait for my next pay check to stabilise again. It’s really painful. The clinic is now e-filing my case for insurance but there is always a chance that my claim is unsuccessful. I kinda regret the procedure and now I’m really in the middle of feeling hopelessness at work. I just can’t seem to save any money. Does anyone have the same experience? I’m so tired of all these. No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to save anything.
Edit: I don’t have anyone to talk to. My parents can’t help me. I don’t want to worry my partner because she will get angry as well. So I really appreciate anyone here who took their time to even respond.
How to handle unexpected large bills?
byu/TheseShift4280 inpersonalfinance
Posted by TheseShift4280
9 Comments
Look into Care Credit. Do not decimate your savings for a skin issue that isn’t even important enough to name in the thread. And unless it’s live saving or will hugely positively impact your self esteem, maybe reconsider getting it at all.
If insurance doesn’t cover it, and you can’t negotiate the bill down (it never hurts to ask…), then you can also see about negotiating a payment plan. This way, you preserve liquidity so that you have cash in case of an emergency
Is it life threatening? Or really affecting your mental health and your ability to do your job? Some jobs require ít. If not and your insurance claims are denied, I wouldn’t break my emergency fund for this. You managed to save 9k. It took a lot of work to get that, can you delay the process? Also is this a 6 months emergency fund? If you play for the process, will you have enough money for bills?
Wait for insurance. You wait until the explanation of benefits form. After that, you appeal and ask for an itemized bill. Call and negotiate. Put yourself on a payment plan. It takes time but you won’t have to pay up front if you can’t afford it.
Idk how serious is your skin issue but isn’t this exactly why we have emergency funds?
can you get a second opinion in skorea? might come to be cheaper than the u.s and prob end up looking better
>The clinic is now e-filing my case for insurance but there is always a chance that my claim is unsuccessful.
Didn’t you check with your insurance company to see if this procedure would be covered?
If it’s not you will have to pay the bill yourself. You signed a document indicating that you would pay whatever wasn’t covered.
If you don’t want to use your emergency fund, ask for a payment plan.
In the future, you can call your insurance and find out if it will be covered prior to any procedure so you’re not left guessing.
What kind of hospital? Most hospitals have a financial aid program if they’re big enough. I typically use the Cleveland Clinic for any procedures (and I still do as an out of state patient) and they have help my family pay. It may be CHEAPER for your to fly to the campus in Cleveland and get it done there.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/financial-review-services