Surgery without health insurance?!

[rburrillo]

I have been battling a slew of symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, mental fogginess, depression, etc.) for over three months now, and after a head CT I was diagnosed with a severe maxillary sinus infection. Part of me is still skeptical that a sinus infection can account for all of those symptoms for that long, but my ENT - and some very helpful members of this site (see my other post) - have assured me that a bad enough infection in your head can definitely cause some really awful, seemingly neurological symptoms. After three rounds of increasingly strong antibiotics the only course left is surgery to have the infection removed.

Here's the problem: I was hired by the Park Service four months ago with the assurance that I would be receiving health insurance as a benefit with the position. It hasn't gone active, due to HR outsourcing issues, and my boss is telling me it's still another month before my benefits are expected to kick in - if it even happens then.

So I'm uninsured right now and in need of a surgical procedure that the ENT's office estimates at about $30,000. If I wait another month to see if the insurance kicks in I'm really taking a risk with my life, and even then I might find myself uninsured. I make too much money to qualify for state insurance (in Arizona), but I don't have enough to cover even the down-payment to have it done.

Does anyone have any advice? Have you had to deal with a similar situation, and if so how did you deal with it? Is there a reputable company that offers emergency medical loans (I have excellent credit)? Help...?

[MDP56]

Most hospitals and some doctors groups will make a payment plan arrangement with you, especially if told in advance.  Go to the business office of the hospital and the business manager of your doctor's office.  Some doctors won't do this but most who are interested in your health rather than your money will do so.  The ideas of the previous poster are all good too.  Good luck!  MDP56

[mkh9]

Hi again, what organism is causing your infection? Another thought is to go to an infectious disease specialist to get another opinion before having surgery.
more later, let me know what you think.
mkh9

[mkh9]

If you are under 26 you may qualify to get on your families insurance. There is a new healthcare plan Obamacare that you should look into. They also have some other insurance you may qualify for that is less expensive. The problem here is also that you have a pre-existing condition and that part of the Obamacare doesn't kick in until 2012 or 2014 (can't remember). Google Obama care if this fits into your situation and age. If not, do you live near Maricopa County Medical Center. They are a county hospital and have to take you in. I worked there and the lab is excellent but it being a county hospital I don't know if you would get a resident or what the quality of care is there. As for whether you can wait or not, it is hard to say. It sounds like you have a bacterial infection that is resistant to some antibiotics. Is there any way you can try another antibiotic? Meaning did the antibiotics work for a while or not at all? What does your doctor say, just have the surgery? Did you have insurance before this and then didn't get Cobra or what is your situation there? Do you have it in writing that you offered insurance then they didn't give it to you? If so there is a HMO and a PPO hotline. I have one for California but I believe they have one in other states as well. They are non profit voluntary and will answer your questions if you had insurance and they dropped you or to refer you perhaps. Usually, they deal with things when the insurance won't pay. If you have a letter from the Park services then that maybe another  idea. It does sound urgent. Let me know more and if I can help I will. I don't know anything about loans. You can ask a bank or other such institution if you want to go that way. If you are willing to travel UCLA and other university hospitals may give you a substantial break.
mkh9