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$215 Blood Money

by Rena Sherwood

Aetna health insuranceTwo weeks ago, I had the first bloodwork tests done on me since the age of the dinsosaurs. This is to help diagnose what might be causing me migraines, constant fatigue, attraction to the wrong kind of men, that sort of thing. I got the bill a couple of days ago –$215 damn dollars.

But It’s A Bargain

Now, keep in mind I’m already paying through the nose for my medical insurance. (And I’m not really sure I want to know the origins of the expression “paying through the nose“.) In order to have the priviledge of getting a $215 bill for blood tests, this is what I have to pay:

  • $250 per month for the insurance policy premium
  • $15 per prescription (roughly $30 per month)
  • $25 co-pay for every doctor visit ( I had two)

So, last month, I already paid $330 to my health insurance vampires. But yet, this doesn’t include the blood tests (even though I’ve already paid enough to cover them).

When the bill came, it claimed that the costs of the blood tests were $900 and that my health insurance company graciously paid for the balance.

Oh, come on. I bet you the cost of the blood tests were $215. They’re just saying it’s $900 trying to make me feel better. Retail stores do this all the time — jack up the original price and THEN mark it 20% off.

Does anybody check out these things? I guess we’re too busy watching American Idol and banning trans-fats to bother.

Happy National Headache Week

In related news, June 1-7 is National Headache Week. This is what happens after you pay your blood money. Instead of getting reasonable costs for healthcare, you get a logo and a national week. No wonder the headache will last a whole week.


Posted in Evaluation and Diagnosis, Headache Humour, Migraine on May 31st, 2008

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This site is about dealing with headaches. It discusses natural treatments, medicines, and support sites to resource.

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