Health Care? How does one succeed at this and not be dead?

JustGoWithItContrary to popular beleif, most county hospitals are not hell holes where only the poor go. I'd recommend checking one out.

HamFaceGirlTL;DR
Fuck off OP

Peter.do you have insurance?

AlsoKnownAsSo you go to a doctor, they tell you nothing and they're like "Sweet we got this guys, money!" "Who gives a fuck if he's healthy or not"


Maybe that's not exactly how it works but pretty close sometimes.

I've been in the "process" of getting blood work done the last month and a half/ 2 months.

They never even called it in, so I had to play phone tag with people for a bit to get that to happen. They won't tell me how much it costs, the hospital won't tell me how much it costs.
Finally found SOME information on the webz, and the prices are pretty meh, if some of those tests end up being useless.

If you need work done on your car, you can call a couple different shops and get quotes. You use the quotes to have an idea what the hell you're going to be spending if you get said work done.

The way the health care industry seems to be, is like bringing your car there, paying money up front, they tell me nothing, and then I get a bill for $3,000 because they changed the oil and gave me an alignment.

I'm thinking of flying out to colorado next weekend and going back to doctors on call. (Sort of like an urgent care) The people there actually gave a fuck about the people and trying to help them. I feel like I have a better shot of getting healthy by spending $350 ish to fly RT out there, then spend another $100 ish to get to the mountains and back to get to one of these places, then whatever I actually have to spend there.

Option B: I might just book a one way to some obscure country, and see how long I can survive before I die in some roadway somewhere,. (Sure they may have shitty health care, but I'm not getting anything better in the US)

Option C: ????/? Is there a way where I can avoid dying in the road, flying across the country, and get some sort of reasonable help from people who aren't total assholes?

I have money saved up, but that doesn't even matter. The way things are structured, people have no qualms about taking all your money, and giving you next to nothing in terms of help. I have no problem spending money to get healthy. I NEED to get healthy. I'm not just going to spend every dime I've saved to be in the exact same boat still sick, and having dealt with assholes in the industry.

Is there any hope? Or should I just give away my possessions and jump off a bridge?

AlsoKnownAsNope, went off this year.

AlsoKnownAsNope, went off this year. Sucks cause I barely used it when I had it. I don't go to the doctors unless I'm seriously sick, or I definitely broke something.

Peter.well there's your problem

californiagrownIts called get good health insurance ya bum.

I recently had blood tests, urine test, 2 cultures and 3 doctors visits... $50

I had an MRI, 3 doctors visits, and one arthroscopic surgery on my knee... $150


But seriously. Get good health insurance.

PeppermillRenoDude your one of the more knowledgeable posters on here are you really telling someone whos about 27 to just get good health insurance? If you read the forums you know his job and that he creates dank ass terrain parks for people to enjoy and that doesn't come with health insurance. WTF man?

Even if he was inherently wealthy health insurance companies only let you sign up 2 out of the 12 months of the year if its Jan-October you can't even buy health insurance in most places no matter how rich you are that is the system and how fucked it is.


(My take on health insurance would appall most Americans Im self employed fuck off Im not buying some bullshit but my parents are immigrants Im first generation I could get on a plane if I was in OP's spot and stay with a relative and get this shit done for free the United States has a seriously fucked up system and morons left and right would rather pay for a shitty ass BITCH ass Army who lost to fucking Vietnam than universal health care just is what it is.)

Peter.well there's your problem


but seriously, go to the emergency room or make an appointment with a primary care doc. since you have really vague symptoms, you're going to have to pay for a bunch of tests, that's just the way it is. that's why the tests exist, to show the doctors what you have

californiagrownhaha seriously. wtf were you thinking? you are a young fit guy who partakes in high risk activities on the regular... and you didnt want health insurance?

My advice, honestly, is to explain your monetary situation to the doctor immediatley upon meeting him/her. quickly go through your symptom, and what you have already been treated for. Ask the doctor/nurse for the most cost efficient route. You gotta let them do their thing, but they need to know your situation as well.

AlsoKnownAsNo way! Going off health insurance is my problem? Well at least not we've established that.

Yeah, but the cunt wouldn't even listen to me. If I was right and I spend an extra 1k + on tests I don't need, she wouldn't care. What's it to her.


Thanks dad. Also not having health insurance =/= not wanting health insurance.


have a decent amount of money saved but that's not it.

They won't even tell you how much anything costs.Hell even how much it might cost. That's what's fucked in my opinion. How can you expect people to accept your services if you won't tell them how much it costs.

californiagrownYou were well aware of all of this when you chose to not buy health insurance through the online marketplace. You gambled and lost. No one has sympathy for a busted gambler.

Like I said, you need to be adament, but also elicit sympathy when making it clear to the doctors and nurses that they need to be cost efficient. They won't know prices off the top of their heads, bit they will likely be able to ballpark it... Go off that.

FrenchFryYou can move to Canada lol they don't try to kill you here

AlsoKnownAsI didn't gamble. I didn't don't, and still won't have any idea. The way it's laid out is fucking awesome.

Busted gambler?

You're such an arrogant douche sometimes. Sorry that everyone else doesn't have your awesome knowledge of the world and everything in it. Write a book, and I'll buy it, then I'll know enough to survive in this world.

And I wasn't talking about doctors. I'm talking, calling billing, the lab, asking at the hospital switch board, the people at urgent care, anyone and everyone, including the people who should know.

I mean billing, they'll fucking send you a bill for whatever amount, but they can't figure out a price to tell you?

By the way, I just got info by being desperate and pretty much demanding somebody tell me what the hell was going on.

I'm sure you feel better for reading this thread. You didn't really tell me anything, but you pushed the "I told you so vibe" mixed with a little "I'm so much better than you".

I'm glad my situation made your day a little bit better.

AlsoKnownAsI didn't gamble. I didn't don't, and still won't have any idea. The way it's laid out is fucking awesome.

Busted gambler?

You're such an arrogant douche sometimes. Sorry that everyone else doesn't have your awesome knowledge of the world and everything in it. Write a book, and I'll buy it, then I'll know enough to survive in this world.

And I wasn't talking about doctors. I'm talking, calling billing, the lab, asking at the hospital switch board, the people at urgent care, anyone and everyone, including the people who should know.

I mean billing, they'll fucking send you a bill for whatever amount, but they can't figure out a price to tell you?

By the way, I just got info by being desperate and pretty much demanding somebody tell me what the hell was going on.

I'm sure you feel better for reading this thread. You didn't really tell me anything, but you pushed the "I told you so vibe" mixed with a little "I'm so much better than you".

I'm glad my situation made your day a little bit better.

PeppermillRenoIts a shame that dude is normally a solid poster you lose a lot of faith in society reading the shit he posted.


I mean what he wrote about working 2 nights a week part time to get health insurance is a complete LIE. No employer gives you health insurance when you work 10 hours a week. Nowhere at all. FUcking liar. And if that company is nice enough to let a 10 hour a week employee purchase their own health insurance through them at a discounted rate (no something that is in the employers best interest since this shit is a pyramid scam) this moron would have been working those 10 hours a week for FREE since the cost of buying discounted health insurance through an employer is more than you can earn in 10 hours.


So again you know hes a fucking pure 100% guaranteed liar if he actually did what he said he did to cover himself in the case of catastrophe he would have added that he worked for FREE to do so and did a job every week without seeing more than 1-2 dollars an hour in actual PAY since everything he earned went to paying for health insurance.

My mom bought me some cheap shit back in 2008 when kids couldn't stay on their parents until 26 still and I was a substitute teacher. The stuff was a joke I doubt it would have covered much if something bad happened.

PeppermillRenoIts a shame that dude is normally a solid poster you lose a lot of faith in society reading the shit he posted.


I mean what he wrote about working 2 nights a week part time to get health insurance is a complete LIE. No employer gives you health insurance when you work 10 hours a week. Nowhere at all. FUcking liar. And if that company is nice enough to let a 10 hour a week employee purchase their own health insurance through them at a discounted rate (no something that is in the employers best interest since this shit is a pyramid scam) this moron would have been working those 10 hours a week for FREE since the cost of buying discounted health insurance through an employer is more than you can earn in 10 hours.


So again you know hes a fucking pure 100% guaranteed liar if he actually did what he said he did to cover himself in the case of catastrophe he would have added that he worked for FREE to do so and did a job every week without seeing more than 1-2 dollars an hour in actual PAY since everything he earned went to paying for health insurance.

My mom bought me some cheap shit back in 2008 when kids couldn't stay on their parents until 26 still and I was a substitute teacher. The stuff was a joke I doubt it would have covered much if something bad happened.

californiagrownYou knew you were going off your parents insurance and yet you still didn't buy into obamacare. What's your excuse? Hopefully you learn from it and buy in next time around.

I worked a few nights a week at 24 hour fitness... And after 3 months was eligible for their health plan... A pretty shitty health plan, but a plan none the less.

Surprised to hear you aren't the only one who knows how to play the system a little bit?

AlsoKnownAsIt's all good. Idk preoplecan say whatever they want it was more the vibe that some people like to throw around of "Ah ha! Serves you right!". I just don't see what it is to them, that they have to jump in with that attitude. Maybe it's easy for everyone else, you log into this site and do things with stuff and fill out some forums with things and magically you're all set.

It's just not like that for me.


And yeah, if it was that easy to get health care a lot more people would have it.

I just feel like some people if they saw somebody eat shit on a box in the park would say "Ah ha! Serves you right for leaning too far back you moron! You suck! Ya jackass! " then ski away. Or " You should have taken a lesson gaper!"

Im not saying people should be compelled to be nice, but I guess I'll just never understand peoples need to try to kick people, even slightly when they're already down.

Like I'm not frustrated as fuck with everything, ready to quit my job and just book a plain ticket somewhere.(Not even joking and that's the better options) But please come and tell me how I should have done, this that, I suck for not doing something else, and I'm totally retarded for not doing that other thing either.

It's super super fucking helpful.

californiagrownYou knew you were going off your parents insurance and yet you still didn't buy into obamacare. What's your excuse? Hopefully you learn from it and buy in next time around.

I worked a few nights a week at 24 hour fitness... And after 3 months was eligible for their health plan... A pretty shitty health plan, but a plan none the less.

Surprised to hear you aren't the only one who knows how to play the system a little bit?

PeppermillRenoIM OK as a young dude. I fear though for what happens if I reproduce and what the system will be like when Im older. So thats why I get so upset with people who think the health care system currently is acceptable and OK and that people should have to work 4 hours a week to go to the doctor.

I mean what about if something happened the first 3 months at your job? Again you said you took the job for the health insurance.

The system is what it is asking for health insurance has gotten me fired from jobs before. That isn't a lie. ANd it cost me 2 jobs. Luckily Im someone who will make lemonade out of lemons though my fun employment was motherfucking awesome aint nothing like calling in for 400 free dollars from the Peppermill 3000 miles from home shredding Tahoe POWDER.


But anyways I took a new job. It was working with disabled people like the current job had been. THe current job had great health insurance and I planned on keeping 30 hours to qualify for it and arranged my shifts with coworkers to do so. The new job I took I declined the health insurance. WHen the first job got upset that I would get a second job God forbid they blocked me moving my shifts around to keep my insurance even though my coworkers were all for trading shifts. I asked the new job for health insurance since I had lost it at the old one. They decided that since I was a probationary employee that hadn't been there 6 months yet that it would be a good time to lay me off and move on. The first job gave my last shift away because they wanted to make a part time person full time so he could get health insurance.


Again whatevs those jobs were awesome and a lot of fun but didn't pay enough for me to live off.

californiagrownI bought a cheapo plan for those 3 months.

Nowadays there is this great thing called obamacare, where health insurance is waaaaaaaay cheaper than it used to be and the coverage is waaaaaay better. OP decided against taking advantage of this step in the right direction and is now literally paying for it.

A year ago I nearly accepted a job at a tiny company which would not have provided my health insurance. I immediately started researching plans to buy. The thought of not having health insurance never even crossed my mind. I voluntarily live a dangerous lifestyle, it would be stupid not to protect myself against financial ruin when I inevitably need a doctor.

AlsoKnownAsYeah. I'm so good at paperwork and reading through forums and that sort of thing. That's not why I didn't go to college or anything.

Also as far as the health care, I just figured I really didn't care about myself. I thought "IT's super easy to figure this out and get signed up, but I think I'd just rather not, and hopefully I'll be dead in a ditch somewhere within the next year. That sounds like a way better plan"


That was pretty much my rationale. SO there you have it.

AlsoKnownAsThey won't even tell you how much anything costs.Hell even how much it might cost. That's what's fucked in my opinion. How can you expect people to accept your services if you won't tell them how much it costs.

californiagrownSounds like you're just fucking lazy. Any pharmacy will walk you through options. There are hotlines to call that help you figure out your options etc, etc. I had to do it- literally call up a few hotlines, tell them I don't even have a basic knowledge of insurance, please help me choose a plan.

californiagrownSounds like you're just fucking lazy. Any pharmacy will walk you through options. There are hotlines to call that help you figure out your options etc, etc. I had to do it- literally call up a few hotlines, tell them I don't even have a basic knowledge of insurance, please help me choose a plan.

OregonDeadThis is the most f'd part IMO. With traditional insurance or without insurance there is no way they will tell you up front how much it will cost. A couple of years ago my wife got talked into a bunch of tests "just in case" and when I tried to pry the price out of them they guilted me and said it would "not be that much" since I had insurance. A few weeks later after all the bills came I ended up paying like over $600 out of pocket. They found nothing and basically just told her to wait it out and see if her symptoms would go away which luckily they did. After doing some research now I think it was pretty questionable for them even to suggest the tests because of her age.

TL/DR I switched to a Kaiser managed health insurance plan this year and now I can figure out exactly what my out of pocket will be before the visit. With this plan they don't add on costs for the various test etc after the co-pay. When I wrecked my shoulder on New Years eve I was freaked out but with my new insurance I got checked out and a whole bunch of x-rays for just the cost of my up front co-pay. Downside is I can't go in and demand an X-Ray, the doc will only order one if he wants it. Also I have to go to certain Kaiser doctors and I cannot see any of the doctors in my town. Overall it is worth it to know up front what I will pay so that I won't be too freaked out to get care.

MLBBack on task. If it's really that bad dude just see if you can apply for jobs north of the boarder. I worked with tons of people at resorts and their health issues and honestly if you get a work visa you can get a temp health card up here and get your shit sorted. I know you were super stoked on running that park, but if it's that bad then you might need to consider your options.

MLBEverything that you post is shit. Honestly your just an asshole. You literally have nothing constructive to add to the conversation, and are just a fucking huge waist of oxygen. I sincerely hope that someday someone treats you as well as you treat others.


Back on task. If it's really that bad dude just see if you can apply for jobs north of the boarder. I worked with tons of people at resorts and their health issues and honestly if you get a work visa you can get a temp health card up here and get your shit sorted. I know you were super stoked on running that park, but if it's that bad then you might need to consider your options.

LonelyMan you seem like a pretty smart guy. But you're a condescending asshole for no reason. Op is in a bad situation that doesn't effect you and is asking for help. So help or don't. But don't just say haha look at this fuck up. There's such things as constructive criticism but that's not what you do. You're just being a dick

californiagrownYou both missed the posts I offered very constructive advice. Advice which op used to figure out his situation. So yeah I did offer advice.

But this guy shouldn't be throwing a pity party for himself when he created his situation and actually refuses to get himself out.

AlsoKnownAsUPDATE:

Got a lot of helpful advice on facebook and some messages on here. Got my shit figured out I think and I'm good to go.

I didn't not have health insurance because I didn't want it, and call it laziness or whatever you want, but I still couldn't make it happen. Thankfully some people were awesome, I'm glad I reached out, got some great help, and now I can actually get healthy, hopefully stay healthy and do my job.

californiagrownCuriously, are you signing up for health insurance now?

AlsoKnownAsyes i did, that was the whole point of this was trying to figure out what I needed to do.

I got it worked out. And things are looking up

gypsy_kidMove to canada. then you can go to the doctor every time you stub your toe

AlsoKnownAsSo you go to a doctor, they tell you nothing and they're like "Sweet we got this guys, money!" "Who gives a fuck if he's healthy or not"


Maybe that's not exactly how it works but pretty close sometimes.

I've been in the "process" of getting blood work done the last month and a half/ 2 months.

They never even called it in, so I had to play phone tag with people for a bit to get that to happen. They won't tell me how much it costs, the hospital won't tell me how much it costs.
Finally found SOME information on the webz, and the prices are pretty meh, if some of those tests end up being useless.

If you need work done on your car, you can call a couple different shops and get quotes. You use the quotes to have an idea what the hell you're going to be spending if you get said work done.

The way the health care industry seems to be, is like bringing your car there, paying money up front, they tell me nothing, and then I get a bill for $3,000 because they changed the oil and gave me an alignment.

I'm thinking of flying out to colorado next weekend and going back to doctors on call. (Sort of like an urgent care) The people there actually gave a fuck about the people and trying to help them. I feel like I have a better shot of getting healthy by spending $350 ish to fly RT out there, then spend another $100 ish to get to the mountains and back to get to one of these places, then whatever I actually have to spend there.

Option B: I might just book a one way to some obscure country, and see how long I can survive before I die in some roadway somewhere,. (Sure they may have shitty health care, but I'm not getting anything better in the US)

Option C: ????/? Is there a way where I can avoid dying in the road, flying across the country, and get some sort of reasonable help from people who aren't total assholes?

I have money saved up, but that doesn't even matter. The way things are structured, people have no qualms about taking all your money, and giving you next to nothing in terms of help. I have no problem spending money to get healthy. I NEED to get healthy. I'm not just going to spend every dime I've saved to be in the exact same boat still sick, and having dealt with assholes in the industry.

Is there any hope? Or should I just give away my possessions and jump off a bridge?

CabbyArrantif you have insurance everything will be ok. The worst that happens is you pay down your deductible. If you don't have insurance get it but it won't help you with this