Handling Unexpected Medical Expenses: A Story of Resilience
Caitlyn Mai woke up one morning in middle school, dizzy, unable to stand, and deaf in one ear due to an infection affecting a nerve on one side of her brain. Although she regained her balance, her hearing never returned.
Growing up, she learned to cope—but it wasn’t easy. With only one functioning ear, she couldn’t tell where the sounds were coming from. She couldn’t follow a group of people talking – either at a social gathering or at work – so she learned to read lips.
For years, insurance companies would not approve cochlear implants to treat single-sided deafness because of concerns that it would be difficult to train the brain to manage the auditory signals from the biological ear and the cochlear implant. But research into the harmful effects of single-sided deafness and improvements in technology changed all that.
Dealing with the Unexpected Bill
The Shocking Bill
“When I opened the bill, I almost had a heart attack,” Mai said of the first monthly letter she received in late December. She said she was so frustrated that she quit her job to investigate. While she was never threatened with having her bills sent to collectors, she said she worried about the possibility when the same bills arrived in January, February, and March, with ominous warnings.
Challenges with Insurance and Providers
Providers and insurance companies often disagree about how bills are submitted or coded, leaving patients facing hefty bills. Mai spent hours on the phone, ensuring bills were coded correctly and insurance companies had the necessary information to process payments.
Resolution and Lessons Learned
After more than 90 days and multiple bills, Mai’s insurance company finally paid the claim, and she no longer owed anything. It’s essential for patients to advocate for themselves, ensuring bills are submitted correctly and errors are addressed promptly.
In conclusion, navigating unexpected medical expenses can be challenging, but with perseverance and proactive communication, patients like Caitlyn Mai can overcome these financial hurdles and receive the care they need.
