I have the same problems they are calling me 2 to 3 times a day. I am even makeing payments they just wont stop!!!

My fiance cut his finger one day and we went to Cameron Hosp. to have it stitched. He was forced to fill out paperwork while bleeding all over their admissions desk. I informed the lady at the desk that there was blood on the pen that she had given him to use and she simply put it right back in the holder for the next person to use without even cleaning it! After waiting for what seemed like hours he was finally seen. Even after his insurance paid their part of it he was still sent a bill for about $700.

He has a herniated disc in his back and had an MRI done at Heartland. Again, insurance (United Healthcare) paid their part, but he is still left with a bill of about $500.

He received a bill and got in contact with Heartland to make payment arrangements. He told them he could pay about $50 per month. That was all that we could afford. THEY TURNED HIM DOWN! They said he had to pay more than that. He told them that at this point in time that wouldn't be possible.

That was when the phone calls and letters began coming. We have been bothered by them daily for many months now. We've even began paying as much as we possibly can and the phone calls still won't stop. Now they are trying to take him to court, which I wasn't even aware they could do since he IS paying!

Something has to be done with the whole health care industry. Times are tough. The main problem is our horrible governor, Matt Blunt, who cut Medicaid to many working people who needed the insurance. I understand the system needed to be overhauled, but I personally think that these people who sit on their fat butts all day and do not work are the ones who should be kicked off Medicaid--not those people who are honestly trying to work for a living, but just cannot afford the insurance or are not offered insurance from their employer.

This is why we NEED Universal Health Care period. The cost of medical care is unaffordable for so many because employment does NOT pay well here. There is a reason most hospitals were operated by charities and religious organizations for years, health care is NOT something one can make a profit at period, breaking even is a better idea. I have never had health insurance, or other benefits at most of my jobs here in St.Joseph, and I am a MWSU graduate.

Northwest Financial is a collection agency, nothing more, nothing less. They want their money and have no compassion. Pay what they say (not what you can afford) or they turn it over to their attorney who prepares the paperwork and takes it to court. Pay the amount you are told or you will be garnished. No ands, ifs or buts. When I asked for copies of the bills they were demanding payment on, I was told they would not provide those as I should have received them in the mail. I was able to check on one matter they were harssing me about and found out it had been paid. If I hadn't pursued things on my own, they would have continued to go after me on something I had already paid. From my experience in dealing with them, and assuming others have had similar experiences when you look at the number of lawsuits Northwest has filed, Northwest is not willing to work with individuals to arrange for payment plans that individuals can pay. Northwest is setting individuals up for failure, lawsuits and garnishment.

Medical care needs reform, that's a fact.

But people also need to pay their bills -

I'm against "Universal Health Care" because what we will be is universally "poor" health care!

If we do go to "UHC" then I hope I can buy insurance to offer me a step above of what we'll get.

Sad, it is sad - but thank the attorney's who sued and won huge claims for the cost increases, as well as greedy administrations.......

Anyway, collection agencies call people who do/did not pay their bills or make the effort to set up a plan to pay their bills - Most "made their own beds" per say.

Midwestern Health has nothing to do with the Heartland?
Then explain why Heartland is paying out so much for new ambulances and such. For years I was told the ambulance was operated by Midwestern Health Management not the hospital. I am now quite confused.

Heartland's collection mania does go way overboard, I was turned over to their agency for the amount of $00.00!!
When I asked the idiot who called me if he had even read the amount the phone went quiet and I never heard from them again but I never received an apology either

These people have no shame when it comes to collecting. I have been a collector,And I know you cant call people 50 times a day. I have a friend who has been dealing with them.
She has been off work due to an injury she barely gets by
and these people continue to harass her and her bill is under 1000$ .They threatend a law suit and went as far as making her post date checks even when she said she didnt have that much money.Apparently these people have never had hard times...

Just a few things...

MissouriMomma - Insurance DID NOT do their part. You were left with a bill weren't you? That's not insurance.

StJoeMoe - how dare you say people with "inadequate DNA" made their own beds? We're not talking about a repossessed car here, buddy. This is healthcare, not a damn credit card.

I can't beleive you even interjected such a comment considering the times we live in.

Are those doctors, patients and nurses in the E.U. living poorly? How about the U.K.?

You tell me again where you read this scribbled nonsense that backs up anything you said and I'll eat my hat.

This is ridiculous - the ONE thing we expect our government to deliver on and they can't (won't) do it.

We truly need to come together as a people on a lot of things - but healthcare needs EVERYONE. To put yourself on some sort of stoop and shout that you are somehow entitled to better healthcare than your brother is truly a sad day for Americans indeed.

NO economy will ever see 95% of it's population making more money than they spend. So why do we cater to those 5%?

Poor comment, StJoeMoe, and an even worse point of view. How elitist.

We live in a society that will garnish the wages of someone making $5.35 an hour and sick relentless lawyers and their fees on them simply because they weren't fortunate enough to be born with good health or heaven forbid they got sick sometime down their roads.

I prefer to live in a society that allows prosperity for all who put into it. Not only for those who could afford to get sick.

Man what a pompass comment. I am truly offended that you somehow think you're entitled to better healthcare than me.

Damn socialist.

As the story points out above, "Heartland admitted that Midwestern Health is registered as owning Northwest Financial Services but denied allegations that Northwest is closely affiliated with the hospital. Heartland denied 'controlling' Midwestern Health." That is a very strange comment since Heartland posts Northwest Financial job listings on the Heartland HR website. I archive copies of their web page as “evidence” every time it happens. Heartland IS Northwest Financial and there are many families in this town who received phone calls or harassment from Northwest LONG before they ever received a bill from Heartland. Tell counsel for the plaintiffs that they can call me if they need one more for the CLASS in this suit!

When I have gone to northwest financial to pay a bill the women at the front desk were wearing Heartland T-shirts....but they arent affiliated?

At the same visit there was a man who had come in to make payment arrangements and there were two collectors hounding the man saying "dont you have a house you can morgage or borrow against your 401k". I was literally crying for the man and when they saw me watching they had him go into the back.

Flutter, don't pity the man. He made his bed, let him sleep in it. Serves him right. Who told him he could get sick and seek medical attention?

those people at northwest are real lucky someone hasnt gone down there with extreme violence on the mind.after all the harrasment i received i had some really bad thoughts...bad thoughts.

Most of the comments listed demonstrate why you do not allow one entity to monopolize a crucial need like a medical facility in a specific area.
Let another, true, non-profit provider come into Saint Joseph, and see what happens. One such hospital that I am familiar with even provides a 20% discount after insurance reductions, for those attempting to make full payment.
The management of Heartland will not appropriately respond to situations such as these until the community has other options or, in significant numbers when practical, go to other facilities.

Tamesha Auxier also has past medical bills at Heartland from a miscarriage she suffered in October 2007. Ms. Auxier said she owes less than $3,000 but could not pay it off immediately because she was on bed rest.

In January, Ms. Auxier filled out paperwork to get help with the bill, according to what her Missouri Medicaid caseworker told her, but said she still would receive as many as 50 calls about the bill in one day.

“Once they started calling it was like they just kept hitting the re-dial button every day and they wouldn’t stop,” she said.

After mailing paperwork back and forth with the collection agency, Ms. Auxier said she finally just kept it and has only heard from the hospital a few times since.

Once she is released by her doctor, Ms. Auxier said she plans to get a job and start making payments on her bill.

“I don’t have a car, I don’t have a house, I don’t have anything,” she said of her current situation. “I’m only 19, I have nothing.”

wait a minute. a miscarriage, followed immediately by another pregnancy for a young woman who is not married, has no visible means of support and now she is whining about having to pay.

get your calendars out folks. this gives new meaning to the phrase "bed rest".

hey heritage?with all your morals and standards maybe you could flip the bill.the question you should be asking is where is the father,perhaps thats an issue in which the single unwed mother is really trying to cope with,but since youve got the answers in your self righteous sense of being perhaps you can provide a solution.what get a job?whats more important?a place to live and utilities,food to eat,or heartland getting some money.without that cash how will they pay its janitors to water all the pretty plants and polish the marble floors.health care in this country is a joke and people like you are the problem.

matty - you just do not get it and heritage raises a legitimate issue - It is called responsibility.
There is a distinct difference between those willing and doing the best they can to pay and Heartland's conduct in such cases. That should not be taken to mean that a free ride is available to those lacking reasonable accountability.

Sandrasue,

After reading what you wrote ("I was able to check on one matter they were harassing me about and found out it had been paid. If I hadn't pursued things on my own, they would have continued to go after me on something I had already paid") I think I am going to do the exact same thing.

Like MichaelH said, something isn't right if my fiance's insurance didn't pay the whole bill supposedly.

Thank you both for the advice and I think this is something that my man had better check into! Perhaps the bill HAS been paid and Heartland/NW Financial Services/Midwestern Health/whoever else they wanna say they are don't realize it's already been paid!

Heaven forbid one actually attempts responsibility!! Next thing is people would expect the government to pay for daycare, meals and your utilities!!

For those who are wanting universal health care, could you imagine how taxes would be impacted? They would be through the roof!! Can you imagine some governMENTAL agency taking / making doctors' appointments for you? Take a look at Canada's medical system and see how long it takes for an appointment or procedure to be scheduled.

Yes, if you get sick or injured, you SHOULD be treated. You ARE also expected to pay for services received whether it be by insurance or some other means. It isn't that hard to make arrangements with any medical institution before it goes further. Noone should be expected to plunk down several thousand dollars all at once. That isn't realistic. Just as you are required to have insurance for the priviledge (not right) to drive, maybe some form of health insurance should be a requirement

In a free capitalistic marketplace one is able to shop around and buy the coverage he / she would like, as another poster wrote. That priviledge should be denied? WTH? What better way to bring down the price of insurance than make it extremely competitive?

Yes, I too, have experienced the charms of Northwest with nastygrams and the occasional phone call received (never to the level others have said they have experienced). Lots of digging on my part and lots of nasty phone calls on my part got my bill reduced significantly, and I eventually paid the part that I was obligated to. And yeah, it WAS my OWN fault for not making payment arrangements and blowing the bills off before it got to the level it did.

I think some people need to stop and give some thought to others before they react. You don't always no the case.. My child had cancer and I could not work because I had to take care of him , and one of those lovely ladies who worked for northwest called me and told me that I should be ashamed of myself for not working and being able to pay my bill on my child. She had me in tears so I asked her if she had contacted his dad she said yes but when him and I went out there they did not even have his number on file... I know people have to work but I don't know how those people sleep at night. So for those who say you made your bed lay in it, try laying in mine. I would not give up the time that I had with my son for anything. It was more important that he knew mommy loved him then mommy was paying Northwest...

Joezmel and others in similar situations, I cannot begin to fathom your pain for what you have had to endure with your family, much less the "angels of mercy" (eyeball roll) at Northwest. You have my thoughts, prayers and sympathies.

It is at best sad that THE MONOPOLY goes to such measures. Of course they deserve payment for the work they performed, but from what is being said on this post, their accounting department needs much work in human relations.

I don't have details handy, but there are foundations and charities out there to help with exactly such tragedies when they arise.

God watch over you and your precious child.

MichaelH,
Do you even know what you are arguing? You're calling someone a "damn socialist" and that is what you are arguing for--socialized health care. And by the way, those elitist that you are moaning about that make up 5% of the tax paying society, happen to pay 86% of the total tax liability paid by American taxpayers. You should be saying thank you. Just like a narrow-minded liberal saying how the upper class does nothing and needs to be hit harder. I'm sorry to say I'm not in that group, but I thank them just the same. As for the point of this article, it is about time some one came down on Heartland and the tools, known as Norwest Financial. They are true blood suckers. They have you sent to collection before you can even find out what your insurance is paying. Another great example of big business abusing the system to leverage the little guy.

i do agree that heartland's long arm of collection is brutal. all one needs to do is go down to judge marquart's courtroom and observe the stacks of cases. sadly, the victims of this enforcement are usually the under-educated and the poor ( or 19 year old children with children). it IS possible to fight the system, but it takes a lot of determination. you must commit to phoning the hospital as often as their collections call you. ask for and write down the name of every person with whom you speak, the time and date, and the gist of the conversation. if the person you speak with is not giving you the information you need, ask nicely to speak to supervisors. be firmly polite, and do not take no for an answer. if you do get someone on the phone who is helpful, be sure to thank them profusely and give them a gold star. go down to the offices often, and be certain to Dress Nicely. do not take "no" for an answer. MOST IMPORTANTLY, do not just ignore the collections. they will not go away.

Gr8fan,

What you see in my writing is an expression of complete frustration in our government.

A government should provide healthcare, security and a future for it's people.

The problem is we are governed by people. People that are subject to human emotion and greed.

You can attack symantics or you can see what I'm saying.

NO ONE deserves to be any healthier than anyone else. So what's your arguement? You don't want to pay for someone elses drug habits or nicotine addiction? Fine. A urine specimen should be required on all visits under UHC. Problem solved. Now - tell me why that shouldn't be the case?

Why should I have any less access to sufficient healthcare so long as I choose to keep my body clean? More importantly, why do you feel feel you are entitled?

Our government has lost it's way, and pardon my ranting because sometimes I have so much to say it all comes out a jumbled mess (result of ADD), but the one thing that should prevail in anything I write is my point...

NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES IN A SOCIETY THAT WE CLAIM TO BE THE SUPERPOWER.

You are right, I'm crying socialist and I have a socialist P.O.V. on healthcare - that's because it's not a black and white issue. You're worse than my girlfriend if you think everything is black and white.

When did we forget that some good ideas come from ALL IDEAS? Just because UHC falls under socialist politics doesn't mean it couldn't be adapted to our Republic. Don't ever forget that.

Just like democracy is now seeing life in countries that are for all intents and purposes... socialist!

The world is not black and white and it's the grey areas we need to explore. Are we really so inept as to think that every single one of our methods, policies and practices are the best suited for the people - or are we still trying to prove we're different or better than the next guy?

There is no harm in saying we were wrong about something, that's what builds character and wisdom. Reagan wasn't afraid to admit he was wrong and pulled our troops from Lebanon and saved our asses. Something we don't seem to do anymore as a people - admit we can be and have been wrong.

Seems fitting I mention Reagan as he said, "government is not the solution, government is the problem."

And I swear by everything holy if you require an explanation of that I'm done talking here. No, it isn't contradictory to what I'm saying.

Simply put, if I take care of my body there is no reason you or I deserve any better or less healthcare.

EVERYONE is entitled to live a healthy a life as possible.

MichaelH:
Unfortunately, we can't differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys as to who deserves anything in this world. I do know one thing. I wasn't raised with a silver spoon in my mouth and everything I have comes from what I have earned. I have never been one to shy away from an 18 hour work day in spite of raising a large family. There are consequences with everything we do in life, and unfortunately, due to the liberals of the world, we have been spoon feeding way too many Americans for way too long. I will guarantee you I would not be the one drawing welfare if I lost my job. If it took two or three jobs to replace it, then I would be doing that. I'm a normal and proud American, that appreciates the freedoms alloted to me by being one, and as much as no one wants to admit it, afforded to me by striking down the countries with "threats" of weapons of mass destruction. I just get sick of seeing people on welfare, filing bankruptcy or laying around doing nothing, while my tax dollars afford them a nicer car than I drive. Maybe I could afford that nice car if I didn't meet my obligation of carrying health insurance for my family.

You still fail to see the point.

Every human should be entitled to sufficient healthcare as a human right.

I find it humorous your association of not having succumb to sickness as a result of your financial empowerment.

Are you telling me that because you would work 3 jobs that you are somehow immune to disease or illness? That's the point Gr8fan - illness and disease do not discriminate.

Here's a better point you might just understand...

Take you, for example. You came into the world with the same abilities as anyone else. You have worked hard for everything you own and those things you enjoy that cannot be held or touched.

Let's imagine that you developed a sickness that was convieniently not covered by your insurance. That's okay, you've been smart - you've been saving for such emergencies.

2 years, countless treatments and ever-increasing healthcare costs have become such a burden that your precious savings is all but disappeared. Now you have to sell that mediocre car you're tooting your horn about and get an even older, cheaper model. That car simply isn't as reliable as the one you had, creating more of a financial impact on your household.

Are you telling me that doesn't happen on a daily basis?

We're not talking about underage sex and pregnancies being the norm here. The norm IS families just like yours who have tried their hardest to play the game and have enjoyed a good deal of success. But now because they have developed a sickness that their bank account can't afford they somehow, "made their beds?"

These are HUMANS. We don't need to differentiate good from bad and it's that kind of attitude the breeds contempt for our fellow man.

It's not about good or bad people. It's about PEOPLE. Pardon my frustration, but why in the hell is that so hard to comprehend?

P.S. Knock it off with this, "liberal v. conservative" BS and let's just pretend, for the sake of conversation, that we are all human beings.

Just knock it off already.

One last comment...

How about the baby of the mother that was interviewed? This baby certainly wasn't born into any kind of privelidge.

So when the mom can't afford braces for the child, and the child grows to have some real jacked up teeth and painfull dental problems as a result - that child, who grows to be an adult, is now somehow responsible for the inabilities of their mother?

So now as an adult this person is having extremely painfull dental problems and can't afford to do anything more than have their teeth pulled. So now they're 30 years old, only have a handfull of teeth and no money or insurance to help them with any of it.

Sure, they could go to Patee Hall, but not if they're employed. So then they're employed, making what - $9 an hour? They need $4000 in dental work alone... how the hell are they going to pay for it on top of rent, utilities, gasoline, food, clothing... ?

They can't. Just keep pulling their teeth.

Your point of views are twisted and show a serious lack of evalutation on your part.

The world IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE. Let's talk about the gray area...

I received a call from Northwest about a year ago on a bill. I was not aware of any unpaid bill and have good insurance. When I asked the person to please send me the details via mail so that I can look into the issue I was told that was not possible and I had to come to their office to pick it up and there would be a fee for it!! All I could do was laugh out loud and say I don't think so. I have not heard a word since.

At what point do they loose their Not-for-profit status, with the millions in profit they make. Yes yes I know they give back to the community, but they still make tons of money. So they can pay for the quater of a million dollar expansion coming up!

MichaelH:
I must have hit a nerve. You sound irritated. The issues you give are the extreme. Read your health policy partner. There aren't many things not covered living in the day to day world. And I preach non-partisan politics daily, so ask the world to get off the Republican and Democratic world we live in because it dictates what happens to human beings. Maybe you should look outside your narrow minded view point and you will see others see what you are saying and don't agree. My point, if you will read, is that the majority of the people we are trying to protect with socialized health care are the people who don't take responsibility for themselves because we give them the easy way out. I don't have to worry about your scenario because I pay for health care, and my point was, it is a priority with my family and I. Other point: It would be a priority even if I had to take 3 jobs to pay for it. Finally, I didn't hear me tooting my horn about my car. I was just making another point, which quite apparently, like all my other points, went right over your head. Listen to others!

mrs. america. please do understand that simply because you haven't heard from northwest does not indicate that the problem is solved. expect a letter in the mail and a visit to the courthouse. i urge you to get it in writing if you believe that you have actually reached an agreement.

First of all, what in the world is a 19 year old doing having a baby that she can't afford? If she is struggling to pay bills in the first place, it just does not make sense. Medical care isn't free and you can't expect the state and federal gov't to pay for it all. Someone has to have some personal responsibility along the line here. I have had to work out payments with both Heartland and Northwest before. I had to change my budget to make those payments-- what makes anyone else different?

Wow, best rant I've read in a while....
________________________________________
___________________
Posted by MichaelH on August 31, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.

StJoeMoe - how dare you say people with "inadequate DNA" made their own beds? We're not talking about a repossessed car here, buddy. This is healthcare, not a damn credit card.

I can't beleive you even interjected such a comment considering the times we live in.

Are those doctors, patients and nurses in the E.U. living poorly? How about the U.K.?

You tell me again where you read this scribbled nonsense that backs up anything you said and I'll eat my hat.

This is ridiculous - the ONE thing we expect our government to deliver on and they can't (won't) do it.

We truly need to come together as a people on a lot of things - but healthcare needs EVERYONE. To put yourself on some sort of stoop and shout that you are somehow entitled to better healthcare than your brother is truly a sad day for Americans indeed.

NO economy will ever see 95% of it's population making more money than they spend. So why do we cater to those 5%?

Poor comment, StJoeMoe, and an even worse point of view. How elitist.

We live in a society that will garnish the wages of someone making $5.35 an hour and sick relentless lawyers and their fees on them simply because they weren't fortunate enough to be born with good health or heaven forbid they got sick sometime down their roads.

I prefer to live in a society that allows prosperity for all who put into it. Not only for those who could afford to get sick.

Man what a pompass comment. I am truly offended that you somehow think you're entitled to better healthcare than me.

Damn socialist.
____________________________________________________________

I disagree with you.

And I am not saying poor people should not have any health care, but there is no reason why people with money and/or insurance should not expect better/higher service levels.

Why should someone with money or insurance NOT expect to have a higher level of service than someone who does not?

I agree to disagree with you......

We had our first kid when we were really young and made next to nothing.

And we had NO INSURANCE.

We paid and paid and paid on him - Once, I told the collection people to come and repo him, but the payment would get there when it got there.

Generally, I paid that monthly payment on time, when I was late, they called....

We worked hard and paid off the dept, others can do the same.

It was not easy, it was hard, but we did it, is it too much for me to expect that of others?

Oh yeah - and we did not get to go to the fancy doctor, but we got "good" medical care.

Later in life, when we worked our way up to insurance and actually making a fair living, we upgraded to a real doctor rather than a clinic -

That was a carrot, something to reach for -

I've been there, how many others have and how many are talking out of their wazoo?

We need healthcare reform, I'll agree with that.

Not "Universal Health Care" IMO.

Healthcare reform should be a concern for all of us and it is going to take a lot to get there, however it does NOT begin with universal health care. Take a long look at how the Canadians healthcare system works. It is by far what this country needs. Healthcare reform is going to have to be tackled on many levels and it would go a LONG way to begin with the pharmaceutical companies who put up millions and millions of dollars in profits each year. These companies make a fortune on medications that cost much less than what they are sold to the public for and that includes both the insured and the uninsured. The pharmaceutical companies spend a large amount of money and time in Washington lobbying to the politicians to continue to allow the patents on brand name drugs and then again to obtain new patents on minor and insignificant changes to medications in order to keep selling these to the American public for absurd costs. The next issue that needs to be addressed is exactly the case of this story. At what point will the American people stand up and say enough is enough, if you cannot pay the bills you already have then why are you making babies you can't pay for either. When are we going to make everyone responsible for their own damn actions and stop placing blame on others for your own inadequacies and placing financial burden on those who pay their bills and made a plan for their future. And last but certainly not least TORT REFORM!!! I am not saying that healthcare professionals should not be held accountable for blantant mistakes or negligance, but this has gotten way out of hand, especailly with ambulance chasers like a certain attorney we all know in town.

To Michael H , your post on August 31 @ 10:01 AM accuses ST JoeMoe of saying people have " inadequate DNA" and they made their own beds". I have read that posting earlier by StJoeMoe three times and cant see where he used the phrase "inadequate DNA"
Do you see those words on your screen because I dont see them on mine. Where did you get the idea to respond to something that isnt there?

I agree on the whole pregnancy thing. My wife and I found ourselves in the same shoes. We paid them though. It's very easy to NOT GET PREGNANT. That is simply responsibility. Nothing else.

The tort reform issue is a good one Mother of 3. Tort reform was passed an made effective on August 25th, 2005. Dr. Schaaf pretty much wrote the thing. It has helped keep physicians inside the state and defense attorneys have noticed a huge decline in claims. That is awesome. One of the forefronts of rising health costs is rising medical malpractice rates (I sell it). Tort reform requires an affidavit (never before). It also puts cap on non economic damages at $350K. That's a huge deal. It's being challenged right now, but it's laws are still holding strong.

Heartland is self insured (No they do not use the Missouri Hospital Plan). They have trusts set up to maintain their reserves needed to pay claims. That being said, and you may not understand, they are saving a TON of money. I'm not talking small amounts. HUMONGOUS AMOUNTS! That should help pthem lower costs. Problem is they aren't.

Lets say something happens to you and you break your back. You go to the hospital. Spend 3-5 days there and receive several CT scans. You are looking at a $20K bill. Could you pay that? Even if you could, is that fair? I strongly disagree with those that do.

"Every human should be entitled to sufficient healthcare as a human right."

This article is arguing about collection of money due after a patient receives services. The patients received sufficient healthcare but are being asked to repay their debt. I don't feel it is my responsibility to foot their bill.

"NO economy will ever see 95% of it's population making more money than they spend. So why do we cater to those 5%?"

I don't see how our current systems caters to only 5% of the population. Are you implying that only 5% can afford to take care of themselves? Perhaps you need to check your statistics. Call me an elitist -- I'm in that so-called 5%. I'm in my early 20's and have learned to live on a budget and SAVE for the future. I make more money than I can spend because I'm responsible! I don't have a high paying job, but I work my tail off, I pay my bills and live quite frugal. I own my home and have ZERO debt. I have a bachelor's degree, I'm one year away from my master's degree, and NO student debt. I paid as I went, and applied for every scholarship I could find. I live without a lot of the "fun" things others have, but I'm satisfied and content. It IS possible for everyone to live this way, but most people choose not to. Why not? Because it's not easy.

Back to healthcare, I had a major surgery last year, and while my insurance picked up the bulk of the $50,000 bill, I had a deductable to meet. I paid it - end of story. It was my responsibility. I didn't expect someone to pay even a portion of my surgery. Does this make me better than the person in the hospital room next to me who can't pay? No. It simply means I'm more responsible.

Not necessarily meow. It doesn't mean you are more responsible. Accidents (lookup the meaning) happen. I too am a very responsible person. I pay my bills, own my house, support 3 children, own 2 vehicles, save money, and still make sure my children where Nike's and nice clothes. Some people simply cannot afford it. I am sure a lot of them work just as hard as you do. The difference being that they are working to put food on the table. You can't penalize a person for that. Healthcare should come at a low cost and should be mostly funded by the govt. If you want to go to a beter doc then you pay a little mroe for your visit. That way they are still excelling in their business and living the American Dream.

I really think you need to think about what you said. In today's economy it's a lot more than 5% that are struggling just to put food on the table. And you want them to pay their medical bills from an "Accident" (again look up the meaning of accident).

Here you go: Accident: An undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap: automobile accidents.

I would agree to a point that irresponsibility should not receive all the benefits (like pregnancy) but for people in accidents, their has to be some sort of reform.

Well written Meow. I am proud of your accomplishments as I am sure many others are too. You have the self motivation and convictions that will guide you to success in your life. And you dont have your hand out begging for a handout like so many others these days. I agree with Meow and IT IS NOT the responsibility of my government to provide me with health care! You dont see that in the Constitution or the bill of rights! This comes from living in a Welfare society where so many people live beyond their means and buy more expensive cars and houses than they can afford. What ever happend to working your way up in life? Thats how people succeeded in the past and it still is the right way.
And give me a break! Look at how Congress and your government has screwed up the social security system and spent the money on so many other things than saving it for our retirement! They are not good money managers! So invest in your own 401K or savings plan and take care of your self and family. And help others by contributing to your church or social group. Way to go Meow!

Speaking of insurance...have you heard anything about the heartland owned insurance company being in financial trouble? That may make a BIG difference in collection practices.

You're exactly right, devinbroncs123, accidents happen. I'm well aware of the definition of an accident. Perhaps you should look into major medical insurance or accident insurance if you are so concerned with an accident. The price is very reasonable with most carriers. Check with your local insurance agent - my State Farm agent carries a variety of policies for people with concerns such as yours. Most agents have a variety of payment plans as well. I feel bad for people who have terrible accidents, but I don't think it is my responsibility to pay for their medical bills, regardless if it was an accident or not. I take out insurance to prevent such a financial catastrophe, and I think it's about time people begin to take responsibility for themselves! Cancel your basic cable and that'll pay your premiums!!! Or cancel your cell phone and carry a 'go-phone' for in case of emergencies! It's about priorities - what is more important, your health or your entertainment? That's a hard question for many.

And the 5% I was referencing were not the impoverished in our society, but rather, the "elitists" that MichaelH were talking about.

Sure, you may think I'm heartless, but I'm sick and tired of so many people taking advantage of hard-working taxpayers. In the pharmacy last week, I was in line behind a Medicaid patient, filling her $1 precriptions, but she couldn't even take time to speak with the clerk because she was talking on her iPhone. So she couldn't afford to pay for her medication (which would have retailed around $20), but she could afford a $400 phone + $100/mo. monthly contract?! IRRESPONSIBLE!

I don't know for sure about financial trouble bwheat, but I have heard a few rumors that CHP is going to be taken over by/merging with another insurance company sometime here at the end of the year and laying off employees, so that would make me wonder too.

Meow, I understand what you are saying completely. What I am referring to is the people that actually cannot afford it. People who don't have cable or cell phones (you gotta let them have a home phone). People that keep their furnace down to 65 in the winter to cut back on costs. I was raised like that. My parents were extremely frugal. I NEVER HAD INSURANCE! My Dad, to this day, works 60 hrs a week. Things have turned around in the financial department. But he worked that much, if not more growing up. We fixed our own cars, cut our own hair, and did whatever was possible to save money. They didn't have a savings account. I literally had to live paycheck to paycheck my entire childhood. The main ammenity we were always allowed was sports. THAT'S IT! Wal Mart shoes, clothes, etc.

This si why I am so passionate about this. It's people like my parnets that would deserve that kind of help. They are the most responsible people I know. Maybe this helps you better undersand where I am coming from.

And I am fully aware of the types of insurance there is out there. I am licensed in property/casualty and life and health.

It is a shame that people like the family of devinbroncs123 are shaded with the same pen that is being stroked by the irresponsible individuals as referred to in the above pharmacy/iPhone story. I've worked in healthcare all my life and have seen so much of this. One time a Medicaid mom called and told us we could fax a paper to her at her house as she had a fax machine. Her kids had cell phones, name brand shoes and coats etc... I wasn't raised like that. We had no money to spare, both my parents worked all the time. We were lucky to have insurance but no extras for anything. People have wrong priorities and our system makes it easy for them. Medicaid and Welfare need reform just as much as insurance. Insurance companies are running healthcare in this country and that is not how it should be.

"Medicaid and Welfare need reform just as much as insurance. Insurance companies are running healthcare in this country and that is not how it should be"

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right on St Joe Moe. Don't leave out the pharmaceutical companies. But mostly it is the insurance companies. Heck even look at Heartland's HMO policy holders. They can't go to any other doctor unless it's Heartlands. That's insane.

I bet most of us know people abusing the system. I know a girl that has 2 kids. But will only work enough to stay in the welfare guidelines. Then she gets free rent, medicaid and food stamps. Embarrassed? Hardly. They get a debit card to buy groceries it's not like the old days when they used monopoly money to pay for their food. She wears designer clothes, has her nails done, has a cell phone and the kids dress to the hill. She gets her hair done at Belezza!! And is always inviting people over for dinner! The babies daddy...well one of them is still the picture.

It is a known fact that a lot of doctors own a lot of stock in the pharmaceutical companies!!! That is why they do not have a problem giving an rx for the highest priced meds.

azmaggie.........where do you find the information to support that "a lot of doctors own a lot of stock in the pharmaceutical companies"???? this is so obsurd and so untrue. I work in the healthcare industry and can guarantee you a HUGE amount of time is spent on helping patients obtain medications they cannot afford whether this be providing samples or going through the pharmaceutical company's patient assistance program, using the $4 list from Wal-Mart/HyVee, spending numerous hours on the phone obtaining prior authorizations from insurance companies who don't want to pay for a damn thing. Doctors aren't trained on the cost of medications in their pharmacology class, their trained on what medications best treat certain diseases. You want reform on medication prices, you're barking up the wrong tree. Try writing your state reps, that's where the kick-backs come in. Comments such as yours that have no legitimacy are what send people on an uneducated rampage.

devinbroncs123......since when were Heartland's HMO policy holders unable to go to any other docs besides Heartland owned docs?? It's called a referral, the vast majority of private insurances require it. The only ones for sure that don't are the ones supported by our tax dollars...Medicare and Medicaid. Again..no legitimacy.

Doctors get HUGE perks from the pharmaceutical companies -

Might not be all cold cash, but nice meals, "business trips" and the like all add up.

Same as any other sales company - borders on unethical at times.

StJoeMoe...You've hit the bullseye. Physicians do receive many perks from pharmaceutical companies. I personally know a pharmaceutical rep and am very familiar with the "gifts" physicians and their families receive.

I do believe physicians put their patients first. On the other hand, they also are very receptive of the "gifts" and will promote the latest and greatest drug...after receiving the Nascar season tickets, of course.

Shifting gears...what's up with CHP (Heartland's HMO?) I heard they are merging with another company because of heavy losses. That does not sound good! If that's true, they'll be putting their bottom dollar first, then your health. I wonder how that will effect referral patterns?

They can refer patients yes. However, what was not mentioned, is that the docs that these patients are being referred to have staff privilages at Heartland. All in all, they are a form of employee to Heartland in some way.

CHP is going under. They are currently looking for what's called reinsurance. They are having a ghard time with it because of the risk these companies will be picking up.

Great.. CHP going under, selling out whatever...so I wonder how that is going to affect everyone in St. Joe who has them as insurance? Are they going to reduce benefits next? Raise the copays...yet again?

Dude, you clearly aren't familiar with reinsurance. CHP has always had reinsurance. They have never had any problems securing it. If you did your research most insurance companies have reinsurance, it's to cover catastrophic cases.

Nah, I think what I heard there was actually another company coming in and taking it over at the end of the year. I also heard they were laying people off because of it. Is that reinsurance? Sounds like that is different. Why would they be selling out I wonder if they were doing well? Of course this is secondhand info, dunno but something is going on at the end of the year, and I don't believe it is reinsurance.

Concernedcitizen: So you think most companies have reinsurance? Wrong. Not most. Very few actually. And no, CHP is not reinsured. They have tickled the idea of it in the past. They may be backed by the state's guaranty (which is not reinsurance).

I know exactly what reinsurance is for. In my industry (medical malpractice) it is set up on tiers. In healthcare it is a bit different. Healthcare it is set up for catastrophic situations. If they were able to obtain it, it would help CHP replenish their reserves. But it's VERY expensive. Policyholders would see a rise in copays to make up the difference.

Before you go and tell me that I am clearly not familiar with reinsurance, you should do your homework. www.insurance.mo.gov You can find out whether or not they are reinsured.

You clearly do not know what you are talking about when it comes to reinsurance.