As of September, I became eligible for Medicare. I thought this would be a good thing, but it has been a true nightmare! It got to the point that I had to ask two different Congressmen to help me get Part B processed so I wouldn't totally lose my health insurance. Finally, with the help of Randy Kuhl, I did get Part B, but Medicare just doesn't offer the same quality of insurance I have been receiving through private insurance and because Scott's company employs fewer than 20 people, I have no choice but to take Medicare.
To make a very long story short, I needed to have my mediport needle changed yesterday for my IV antibiotics. In the past a home health nurse has always come and done this for me, but I was informed on Wednesday that because I am not literally home-bound Medicare won't cover this. What I was going to have to do instead was go UPMC, register at the hospital, be admitted, have this procedure performed (it takes maybe 5 minutes max) and then be discharged. CRAZY! I started to make some calls myself and was told by the insurance that they would cover home health, but when I spoke again with one of the UPMC coordinators she got upset with me, telling me it was 4:00 and she was all alone and how was she supposed to arrange all of this. I apologized, hung up, and burst into tears.
We have to be so careful how we respond to other people. I know she was having a bad day and was stressed out, but she decided to take that stress out on me and ruined both our afternoons. I know I have done that to others myself in the past, but it is totally uncalled for. The next time you are stressed, think before you respond in a negative or hurtful way to an innocent other.
When I finally spoke with my coordinator, Leslie, on Friday she was not upset with me and we decided I would wait until Tuesday when Jeff, my brother-in-law, can change my needle.
So, after all that, I am feeling better today. My parents took me out to The Olive Garden for lunch and Mom and I even got dessert. We have started packing up and are planning to move on Tuesday, Hooray.
Sorry I went on and on, the last few months have been so stressful with this medical insurance issue, but I know it will all work out.
My love to you all! Nancy
2 comments:
Aw Nancy! I'm so sorry about everything :( Don't ever feel bad for venting, it's the only way to feel better sometimes.
It's the worst when you try to be very strong and the day you're feeling extra-sensitive, one person can trigger everything!
As always, praying and hoping everything works out.
Much love,
Rachel B.
Hi Nancy,
I can't imagine how hare it has been to be dealing with insurance issues through all of this. Your focus should be on getting well, instead of who covers what. You are right, it will all work out, it is just so frustrating. I have spent many hours of the phone with insurance companies for little things and I can only imagine what you have had to deal with.
I'm sorry she took her bad day out on you. I think sometimes at a job like tht, it may be hard to remember the person who is on the other end of the phone. She couldn't maybe see past the impact it had on her afternoon and didn't realize how she would impact you. Keep your chin up and think of all of us out here thinking of you and keeping you in our hearts.
Soon you will be home, how amazing will that be?? Lots to smile about. Take care and have a restfull couple of days till your trip home!!
Lots and lots of love and hugs,
Amy
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