I'm backed in the HSA by Blue Cross Blue Shield. So, I can force any doctor to file the claim via the BCBS network, which applies the discount, and then I get the bill from the doctor and pay that amount.
... or ... If I know the doctor (or their billing staff) I can explain to them that I'm in an HSA. I'll tell them that they can file the claim for $1000 and get paid $600 in about 4 to 12 months, or we can skip all of that, and I can pay the $600 right now (or $550 or $500 ...negotiate!) via my HSA debit card and they'll get their money tomorrow with little or no paperwork. I do this with my dermatologist. (I'm so white, I'm translucent!) I'm tempted to get my own liquid nitrogen service to the house. I digress. These "Doc In A Box" facilities are excellent too, and a HSA account works great with this business/service model. Their prices are listed in plain sight, there's usually no wait at all, and they can do everything including minor surgeries. Again, if you and your family are relatively healthy, and you have the cash reserve (3-6 mo) that you should as an independent contractor developing in a language that M$ doesn't deem a buzzword, then an HSA might be right for you. If you have something chronic, then another plan may be better. -K Rodney Dixon wrote: > How do the charges work? I'm insured through my employer, so I get an > EOB (Explanation of Benefits) printout after every visit. I notice that > there is a significant discount right of the top. For example, the > charge for some items might be $1000 but my "in-network" discount might > bring it down to $600. Do you get the advantage of the "discounted" > rate, or do you get to pay the bloated (let me stick it to the uninsured > people to offset the sticking I get from the insurance company) fee. > > Regards > Rodney > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> On Behalf Of Kevin Cully >> Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 9:00 AM >> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Subject: Re: [NF] Medical insurance >> >> As a lone gunman, insurance is really expensive. My family is >> relatively healthy so we got a HSA account, aka "Health Savings >> Account". It basically means that we fund our own insurance (tax >> exempt) for common doctor visits, but BCBS kicks in if the amount goes >> over $5K in a year. Basically, it's catastrophic insurance. >> >> What I like about it is that I become the customer of the doctor. >> Normally, the doctor is doing what the insurance company wants him to >> do. It's amazing how a doctor treats me differently when they learn >> that I'm paying the bill. I get much better treatment, IMO. >> >> -Kevin >> >> >> Michael Madigan wrote: >>> I'm in NJ. >>> >>> --- Rick Schummer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>> wrote: >>> >>>>>> Anybody have a great deal on medical insurance? >>>> My Cobra runs out the end of February.<< >>>> >>>> Medical insurance is specific to the locale you >>>> reside in. I have someone I can recommend if you >>>> live in the state of Michigan. >>>> >>>> >>>> Rick >>>> White Light Computing, Inc. >>>> >>>> www.whitelightcomputing.com >>>> www.rickschummer.com >>>> 586.254.2530 - office >>>> 586.254.2539 - fax >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Post Messages to: [email protected] >>>> Subscription Maintenance: >>>> http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox >>>> OT-free version of this list: >>>> http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech >>>> ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, >>>> are the opinions of the author, and do not >>>> constitute legal or medical advice. This statement >>>> is added to the messages for those lawyers who are >>>> too stupid to see the obvious. >>>> >>> >>> [excessive quoting removed by server] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
