Editor, Times-Union: I just wanted to pass on some possibly unknown information regarding Medicare payments (or lack thereof) when hospitalized.
Last May my 85-year-old mother was taken to the emergency room as she was unable to stand on her legs. Many tests were done and she was kept overnight and moved to the fourth floor. I felt that she was admitted. She was released the next day and was much better even though no cause was found for her weakness. I believe she was there over 24 hours.
Almost six months later she received a bill from Lutheran Hospital (KCH) for $633. I did not understand. She has been covered by Medicare for 20 years and also has an AARP supplement. She has never had to pay any amount except the annual $100 deductible.
When I called Lutheran to inquire I was told the $633 was for prescription drugs that she normally takes at home. Mind you this was for her normal dose once per day of about six to eight pills, none of which are normally expensive. Not sure where they get off with the price! The charge was denied by Medicare because she was considered an outpatient. They told me that one can be kept in the hospital for up to 48 hours and still be considered an outpatient. We live less than one mile from KCH and had I been informed that she would be charged this amount of money. I would have gone home and gotten her daily meds to save $600!
When I told the billing department that she did not have that kind of money, they discounted the bill! She still does not have that much money and has had to make a payment agreement to take care of this bill.
I would like to make others aware. Be careful if you are considered outpatient – find out what you will be billed for.
