Prior to 11/18/2008 I assumed ZERO responsibility for our finances, other than to deplete them!
Since then, I've taken over handling all of the medical bills we accrued (two incidents w/hospitals and tests for S9 and I, not big deal, but expensive!!!). Well, I worked with the insurance company, the service providers, etc... And, TODAY I HAD THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS!! We had a $7,700 hospital bill from S9's visit in November. Well, I've worked with the insurance company and the hospital, and got it reduced to $1,200! Between the in network, out of network, individual deductibles, family deductibles, blahblahblah.... talk and the MOUNTAIN of paperwork that goes with it, I was ready to call it a day and pay it at $2,800. I called the hospital and asked to speak to the lady that heads up Patient Accounts. I said, "Lady, here's my account number. I can pay off this balance immediately IF there's a financial benefit to it. If it is only going to cost me pennies to pay it monthly, at a minimum amount, I'll do it, but I'd like to get it off my mind..." She looks into everything, asks some questions, has me email her the EOB, and she says, "Well, since you put it that way, between the cash discount, and the error they made in computing your total, it's now $1,200!" Whooo Hoooo! I asked her to stay on the line while I get met my checkbook to electronically withdrawal it immediately before she changes her mind!
What a racket!
H called almost immediately after, and I told him the story. He said, "Way to go! Good job!"
This is a 180 because I'm really smart in most ways, but a financial moron. I tend to put things off because I don't want to try to understand it. I've caused more than a few headaches!
I'm proud of me. Yea, me!
Me-46, D-21, S15, S13
After many years w/my head in the sand... I FILED Divorced 6/2011
The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.
