Well, It Doesn't Matter Now Anyway

Regina, Wrong on my mental health bills. They only pay 80/20, of which we were NOT informed when we set up this program. *yells* All she could say was "sorry." I was mad and hung up and didn't even ask about my ER bills.

Jenna, So they pay 80% of what? The allowable charge (which may be less) or the bill? And you pay 20% of what, again? The allowable charge or the bill? Lastly, how does the copay figure in to the whole thing? Part of the 20% or plus the 20%? What does your 'not a bill' (called an EOB for Explanation of Benefits) say you owe? As far as the ER, it depends on what they're billing you for. If on your EOB an item is not paid because it's a 'noncovered service' then yes, you owe. If it's not covered for other reasons, like 'included in another service', then you don't owe. Sorry if this is confusing and frustrating. And yes, insurance can be a pain in the patootie.

Ah. I definitely did not know the full story there. Sorry you got messed around. I am hopeless with understanding money and insurance so I cannot make heads or tails of what Regina is spouting, but I hope it helps you out. :)

Brad, Exactly my point. People can't make heads or tails of the system. Plus you've got no joke hundreds of companies providing coverage each with multiple plan options - so BC/BS MO, say, isn't all one plan, they've got like 8 different plans. Who can keep track of this? Then, on top of it, you've got the fraudsters, those who see where the system is broken and take full advantage of it for as long as they possibly can. Ergo, people get screwed - patients, doctors (yes, they do, as much as we may not be loving them right now), etc. So someone tell me again exactly why Universal Health Care with standard benefits for all is a bad thing? Oops. That would be a debate, OT. Sorry Jenna. Regina

Just REALLY REALLY glad I live in Canada and dont have to worry about this crap!' Jen PS Jenna - I am soooo sorry this is happening to you!

I KNEW I wanted to move to Canada for SOME reason. Now it all makes sense. Better health care and more SNOW. ;) Mmmmsnoooooow. I'm in a better mood right now only because it is now my "weekend" and I've had a bit more time to cool off. I'm still tweeked. I'm going to my appointment on Friday. It may be my last one if I can't convince them to stop price gouging us because we aren't poor. We certainly aren't rich, that's for darn sure. Off to bed!

They need to get a lawyer and either get their money back or sue for fraud. I mean this. If it is part of their contract and fees it is binding. Do they know??

Do they know what? That they were charged for stuff I didn't receive? Yes. They're not happy. But no one wanted to ruffle any more feathers with the agency. They're rude, won't return calls to either party anymore and so on. It's just over.

Jenna, Are there any churches in your community which offer counseling? The Pastor at my church has two PhD's in counseling and counsels not only members of the church but members of the community for free. Just something you might want to look into. Also, I know in my community, several of the nuns with the catholic churches are certified counselors. Karma

Jenna I dont know if where you live has any pregnancy centers , there is one where I am , and they went through a post adoption thing with me and offer constent help if needed and it is free. If you have a pregnancy center I would suggest that. I also agree that maybe a church pastore as well. My church's pasters wife does counsoling for us women who need it ... that could be something else to look into. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Jess

First let me say I am sorry for just jumping out and giving you advise on where to go if that was not apporiate I am so sorry... but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jess

To all who keep suggesting places, thank you, but I have given up on counseling for the time being. The pregnancy center in the area is useless to ME (personally) as they only provide clothing/resources for women parenting their children. (GREAT GREAT and AWESOME place, just not what I need, ya know?) My Pastor is amazing. But again, he is old, God bless him. While he respects and is intrigued by the openness, he doesn't "get it" enough to talk me through anything. I have resigned myself to the fact that I will have to "get over it" on my own, as the one "counselor" that I saw told me to do. I find it sad that not one "professional" in my area has any ADOPTION experience. I wasn't surprised to see that no one had any OPEN adoption experience, but for there to be no adoption connection at all, anywhere in this area is just mind boggling. And very disheartening.

Jenna,Just thinking of you and wondering how you are doing? Karma

Karma,I've been busy. We were in a car accident (rear ended, three car) on Monday, so we're in the process of getting the Mustang (yes, the Mustang *weep*) fixed. I had a bruise on my head from the headrest and some sore neck muscles but both myself and Butterball are fairing well.Emotionally, I have been 'sound.' The pregnancy has brought forth a well of emotion, which I wasn't really sure how deep it would be. Most of the time, remembering the little things brings me peace. There are days, usually the days when EVERYTHING else goes wrong, that I sort of panic and have very BAD memories ... but for the most part, I am okay.What's been good is that some of the BAD memories that are being brought forth, I am now secure and sound enough that I can deal with them, one by one, as they seem to surface. As long as they keep coming 'one by one,' I hope to be okay.

Sorry to jump in here...but I was thinking of you and wanted to say something!!! My mom had depression for years...and a lot of mixed emotions and anger from her childhood and well..life in general. She was on medication..and frequently saw a counselor. I think what I learned the most from watching her go through all of this is that the healing has to come from within. The happiness....has to come from within. We can't look to others to make us happy...or solve our problems. Maybe that crazy counselor was right in what he was saying. YOU CAN DO THIS ON YOUR OWN!!! Get a journal and start writing down your feelings....why you feel that way...what it comes from...how you can find the right channels to control your emotions and give room for them to vent. Asking God to help you along the way!! Maybe take as long as you need every night....to write in your journal about how you felt that day and what worked and what doesn't in helping you feel better. You will be able to read back over all of it and find patterns... maybe you can help yourself predict what brings on all your emotions....and train yourself to react a different way...or maybe just be letting it out everynight....it will allow you to start over and clear your mind. Start writing 5 things you like about yourself....or 5 things that you are greatful for...or 5 things you like about the person who bothered you that day. As you try and search for those positive things...you will find that through out the day....you look at the positive rather than the negative. Most of all.....don't give up....on yourself....you are so special...you are a child of God and he loves you more than you will ever know. He sent his son Jesus Christ to come to earth...be our example and our savior. He knows all our thoughts and pains...he suffered for us...every sin and every sickness and every heartache we will ever have...so he can understand us...and help us and comfort us. He did this not only for everyone in the world....but he did it for YOU. You were worth every drop of blood he shed... and he wants you to know he is there for you...and will never give up on you...and he believes in you. Never let yourself feel so down or so alone that you might think life is not worth living......You have so much to offer the world....your Munchkin, your husband and your new little one on the way. Don't give up....believe in yourself....you can make it through all the hard times and you will be a stronger better person because of it. God bless you (sorry to be so preachy....I just wanted you to know you are loved not only by us...but by that one who created you...and we are all routing for you!!!!!!!!