The Catskill Chronicle

Twice Divorced – By Grayce Goin

Dear Twice Divorced,

I need tests done and recently heard about a service called the HealthCare Blue Book. Could you tell me more about this?

Thanks,

Poor But Needs Good Health

Dear Poor,

Here is yet another example of why it is so wrong that this is the only westernized nation where health care is a for profit venture – with the insurance companies raking in the money, not the service providers.

Meanwhile, back in DC where they are trying to kill the health care bill, those servants of the people are covered from the moment they are sworn in. No waiting period, no pre-existing condition issues,  they have on site doctors, nurses and cardiac and x-ray equipment – and we have the honor of paying 75% of their premiums. The lowest paid among them make $174,000.00, minority and majority leaders make $193,400 and the speaker of the house make $233,500.

Meanwhile, back in reality –  the American mean (50% of the population makes more and 50% makes less) income is $32,140 which is less than 18% of what those elected “representatives” make. They won’t allow the SSDI or Medicare program administrators negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for the best prices, but their insurance carrier is allowed to.

I have stepped away from soap box.

Since you gave me so little to go on, I can only guess that you have no insurance and live either in the Catskills or its surrounding regions and that this is a very unpleasant prospect for you.

HealthCareBlueBook.com is a website that, at no charge, provides you with the average prices for medical products and services within your zip code.

One of their partner sites, INSNET, will negotiate with your care provider for a reduced rate on your bill. At no charge they will review your bill ($200 minimum), and if they think they can get you a reduction, you will sign a contract agreeing to pay them 28% of what they save you. For example, if your bill is for $450 and they get it down to $310, having saved $140, you will owe them $39.20.

If they can’t get you a reduction, you pay nothing.  You must link through to INSNET from HealthCareBlueBook.com or the commission rate goes up to 35%.

In addition, the following websites offer other information:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/financialassistance.html#cat1
National Institutes Of Health website that specifically address financial issues with links to disease-specific web sites.

http://www.needymeds.org/
While this is a site that weighs heavily toward the medication side, there is also plenty of information for those needing assistance with specific diseases, tests and other issues.

http://www.genome.gov/11008842
Another site sponsored by the National Institutes of Health which takes a different direction toward getting you to the information you require.

I hope this information is helpful in getting the tests you require and that you will

Be Well