too funny!

[winterbadger]

So, one of the tools on the Aetna website that it *will* let me use within the first ten days of signing up is the cost estimator. This, it assures me, will allow me to "compare the estimated average in- and out-of-network costs in your area for selected medical services and surgery, and see the potential cost savings if you choose a participating (in-network) physician."

Well, first of all, it doesn't discriminate between sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, which are significantly different operations (I've had both now). And for my zipcode it tells me I should expect an in-network practice to charge me

$1,869.

The place I went to charged me $290, of whcih Aetna is only willing to pay half.

Comments

[ga-sunshine.livejournal.com]

oh good grief!

[meepeek.livejournal.com]

Print each screen, including the estimated cost, and send them and a copy of the stupid bill to the billing department? Alert some sort of BBB? Hope to god that Bush doesn't get re-elected because he won't help the little guy go against his greedy insurers? (Especially HMOs.)

I hope things work out in your favor.