Oct 29, 2009  •  In Personal

The Cost of a Miscarriage…

…when your insurance provider refuses to pay for it:

$8,227.48

Only now do I truly understand how it feels to be stuck with massive medical bills after a beloved one has passed away. Oh wait, that’s essentially what happened.

This post is not a means to whine about my medical bills. It is a way for me to officially mark my signature in support of healthcare reform.

It is easy to be happy with the status quo when all is well. We always had good healthcare coverage through employers. It was only when, through a series of unfortunate events, we were no longer eligible for group plans and were forced to traverse the inhumane world of individual health insurance, then denied coverage for being pregnant, that my eyes flew open.

We received good — no, GREAT news this week. J was given a fantastic job offer and he will begin his new job next week. The new position comes with great health benefits and I will undoubtedly be included under spousal coverage.

But I refuse to be complacent again. Because I know that for every story that is like mine, there are hundreds, if not thousands, that are worse. Because there are models that work. Because there has to be a better way.

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10 Responses to “The Cost of a Miscarriage…”

  1. Amy S says:

    Wow…I hate how expensive doctors are! I went to urgent care when I was sick and the person in front of me didn’t have insurance. The clerk said $150-$175 just to see a doctor (and they are only with you for five minutes) and that’s NOT including possible lab work! It’s ridiculous!

    On another note, I’m so happy for you guys (about the job offer)! That’s so great that things are looking up for y’all!

  2. Vivian says:

    Congratulations on your husband getting a job with medical coverage! I’ve been out of work for a while (laid off due to the economy), but thankfully, my husband has been employed this whole time. If I was still single, I would have had to pay over $500/month for COBRA coverage. It’s ridiculous.

  3. echan says:

    I hope that you write letters to your Senator and Congressperson supporting healthcare reform.

  4. I totally feel you. Until you’re outside the man’s (fantastic) insurance, you have no idea how truly terrible US healthcare is.

  5. Geek in Heels says:

    Thanks for your support, everyone.

    @echan – yep, I’ve written my state representatives. I’ve also signed numerous petitions (not sure how effective they are though) and made a donation (albeit small) to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in support of health insurance reform. Every little voice counts, right? 🙂

  6. mindy says:

    congrats to josi and jenny!! 🙂 (minus the 8227.48)

  7. Fannie says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you are otherwise well and healthy.

  8. Normally there are hundreds of stories like yours in our world…but u have written…congratulations

  9. blap! says:

    Hence the beauty of living in Canada.

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