Yikes!

I'm still digging my way out of the accumulated mail and email that came in while I was in Vietnam. Today I finally opened the emails from Regence telling me that there were messages waiting for me on their website. Ok, let's check out the website... 

Ten messages telling me that claims had been processed. Ok, let's check out the claims page...

Holy cow!

This is probably too much information, but that hasn't stopped me yet...

For the two months of January and February (the March visits don't appear to have been filed yet), the total cost of the services provided by SCCA and Walgreens Pharmacy amounts to just over $56,000. One scan, one visit with the oncologist, three visits with the PA, three lab draws, three sets of lab tests, three infusions, and thee hundred forty-five Xeloda pills (if my mental math is correct) -- fifty-six thousand dollars!!!! 

Even the Roadster didn't cost me $56,000, and at this rate six months of cancer treatment would've bought me my first house. 

Anyway, of the $56,000 due Regence has already paid out just under $40,000 and determined that my share of the bill is $6,000. Six grand! I could go back to Vietnam -- and fly first class -- for that. Undoubtedly, there are some very large bills buried in the stack of mail I have yet to open.* (Maybe I won't open my mail today...)

I'm assuming the $10,000 difference between what Regence and I will pay and what the providers have charged is associated with claims that are still being processed.  Here's hoping that my share of that remaining balance is very, very small.

Most importantly, though, while it's not what I'd prefer to spend my money on, I can at least afford to pay my share of the bills for treatment. But what do people with cancer and other terrible conditions who can't do? People with kids? People laid off or under employed? People carrying debt from previous financial troubles? And bear in mind, six grand is my share with health insurance. Imagine the folks without it. 

So with all the sarcasm I can manage... Best healthcare in the word, baby!

* That sound you hear is me weeping with regret over the decision to bail on Group Health where after my $200 annual deductible was paid I'd be paying just $20 per visit and $15 per prescription for most everything.