I'm not a alwyer, but I would say, yes you legally ahve the right to cancel the health insurance if they didn't offere what they told you. Some of thos companies gor sued for that raeson.
However, things I've been doing for a while to get my money back are:
1.Filing a compalint with BBB and Attorney General. But many companies are not bothered by those ans they simple don' respond, but it's a good things to do because the more complaints are there, the more likely laywers are to start filing a law suit against them.
2. I file a claim with my credit card company stating that I didn't receive what I paid for. They will send you sort of affidavit that you need to fill out.There are a few choices there an din your case it would be "merchadise not recieved".
Good luck!
The Truth about "Charity Care" in American
by a person dying and in these situations.
My story: I need an echocardiogram because I have CHF (congestive heart failure). Even at a public hospital, they have refuse to do the test unless I can magically come up with the money up-front. Then, I can apply for charity care. If I can pony up $3,000-$5,000, I don't need charity care, right? I'm broke, no insurance, nothing. I see a physician's assistant at the health department to manage a cardiac condition. Yeah, he's super nice but that's really totally inadequate treatment (need a cardiologist).
I'm almost one of those 45,000 that died due to no healthcare or inadequate healthcare. (2006 numbers).
More than 25% of Americans uninsured. It's actually 60 million in the USA not 50 million like they always say.
How The Hippocratic Oath is a Joke
The Hippocratic Oath requires a doctor to treat anyone that comes to them. Yeah, they swear this Oath. They just don't do it. The Oath basically says being a doctor is a calling not a business. What does this mean? The Oath is violated daily. In other words, any doc has to help even if they just have an office regardless of the ability to pay. But, I know full well if you go to a doctors office and have no money and/or insurance, they will refuse and they just tossed their Oath in the trash. Another example -- your have really bad, crooked insurance (or it gets canceled the day before) that pays almost nothing. You go to your doc and need help with a flu or cold. He can refuse even though he/she just violated their Oath. The Hippocratic Oath is much, much more comprehensive that EMTALA because a doctor has to treat anyone that comes to them.
Just ask the billing office (insurance collector even in ER will have applications or where to get them) for a "Charity Care" application and be honest about your situation.
The huge problems with Charity Care -
1. For-profit hospitals give very little (if any). Need surgery and aren't there for an emergency? You have nearly a zero chance in hell of being helped. These hospitals are often accused (and do) patient dumping. Dumping is sending them home, the street or a public hospital for treatment. Yes, doctors that took a Hippocratic Oath to help anyone that presents themselves send patients on their with emergency conditions and even during recovery.
2, Non-profit hospitals will do this for ERs and admits (ER admits and/or "Emergency Admittance") and all tests and surgeries in those situations.
3. If it doesn't say ER on the door, clinics, testing facilities, your nice local doc your had before losing money and/or insurance, etc. won't help anyone and flat out refuses 99% of the time. Dr. Julie or John that was your GP for 20 years, as an example, can simply refuse if you go to their office.
Rights for Emergency Room Patients
(The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) of 1986)
Note: If this is violated in any way, you can sue and they can be fined substantially.
ASK FOR THEIR EMTALA RULES WHEN YOU ARE IN THE ER! And, read it!
Federal Law requires all hospitals and emergency clinics (ER sign) that accepts Medicare to examine and treat all emergency situations. They can be fined substantially ($40,000 per incident) if they do not even examine the patient. Example -- if you twisted your ankle and can walk (nothing broken), they can refuse as an example after doing a simple exam under law!
1. No matter what hospital, for or non-profit, they are required to examine you to see if you have an emergency condition, regardless of the ability to pay, until you are stabilized. Stabilized means you can be safely transferred to a public hospital or sent home. If you aren't stabilized they can't send you home/another place. If they do, get a lawyer and call the Federal HHS agency. They just broke the law and you can sue and HHS can fine them. (I think it's HHS).
2. Say you claim heart attack, they better rush you back. Not only do they have to examine you, but this example of an emergency, has to be treated the same exact way (ER procedure) regardless of the ability to pay. A lawsuit added the required extra step of how you are treated in an emergency. Basically, even though the Hippocratic Oath requires treating anyone, the law know does as well. The Hospital must use any and all resources to render assistance in an emergency to a non-paying person just like they would a paying one. Example: You have a cold and they treat a cold as an emergency, they can't put you in the hall closet and treat you. If a paying patient gets an MRI for a cold, they have to do the same for you. No exceptions,
3. If you're pregnant and in labor (if you're a pregnant guy, call the news media because your set for life..giggle), they have to treat and stabilize before any move or discharge. Yeah, they have to deliver a baby. I seriously doubt a hospital would be stupid enough to turn a pregnant woman away since it's a lawsuit and huge fine and tons of bad publicity.
4, If your on hospital grounds anywhere (the grass by the cars) and you have an emergency, they better take you in the ER for exam or the person that finds you better call someone and get you in the ER. Yeah, if the hospitals janitor finds you, he better go get help. A lawsuit won this right.
5. The can't delay treatment trying to figure out if you can't pay!!!!
6. If they can't treat your illness or injuries, they must immediately find a way to get you to another facility!
7. The ER or anywhere in the hospital that treats your EMC (emergency medical condition) is required. If it's better in Neurosciences, they must do it. Whatever they do for paying patients, they have to do for non-paying ones.
8. Many more things below on EMTALA:
Hospital obligations
Hospitals have three obligations under EMTALA:
Individuals requesting emergency care, or those for whom a representative has made a request if the patient is unable, must receive a medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition (EMC) exists. The participating hospital cannot delay examination and treatment to inquire about methods of payment or insurance coverage, or a patient's citizenship or legal status. The hospital may only start the process of payment inquiry and billing once they have stabilized the patient to a degree that the process will not interfere with or otherwise compromise patient care.
The emergency room (or other better equipped units within the hospital) must treat an individual with an EMC until the condition is resolved or stabilized and the patient is able to provide self-care following discharge, or if unable, can receive needed continual care. Inpatient care provided must be at an equal level for all patients, regardless of ability to pay. Hospitals may not discharge a patient prior to stabilization if the patient's insurance is canceled or otherwise discontinues payment during course of stay.
If the hospital does not have the capability to treat the condition, the hospital must make an "appropriate" transfer of the patient to another hospital with such capability. This includes a long-term care or rehabilitation facilities for patients unable to provide self-care. Hospitals with specialized capabilities must accept such transfers and may not discharge a patient until the condition is resolved and the patient is able to provide self-care or is transferred to another facility.
Amendments
EMTALA Laws:
(If you are a doc, nurse, etc. that thinks I'm lying, go ahead and don't examine someone and get fined and sued.)
Since its original passage, Congress has passed amendments to this act. Additionally, state and local laws in some places have imposed additional requirements on hospitals.
These amendments include:
A patient is defined as "stable," therefore ending a hospital's EMTALA obligations, if:
The patient is conscious, alert, and oriented.
The cause of all symptoms reported by the patient or representative, and all potentially life-threatening, limb-threatening, or organ-threatening symptoms discovered by hospital staff, has been ascertained to the best of the hospital's ability.
Any conditions that are immediately life-threatening, limb-threatening, or organ-threatening have been treated to the best of the hospital's ability to ensure the patient does not need further inpatient care.
The patient is able to care for themselves, with or without special equipment, which if needed, must be provided. The required abilities are:
Breathing
Feeding
Mobility
Dressing
Personal hygiene
Toileting
Medicating
Communication
Another competent person is available and able to meet the patient's needs following discharge.
All patients have EMTALA rights equally, regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, residence, citizenship, or legal status. If patient's status is found to be illegal, hospitals may not discharge a patient prior to completion of care, though law enforcement and hospital security may take necessary action to prevent a patient from escaping or harming others. Treatment may only be delayed as needed to prevent patients from harming themselves or others.
Overloaded hospitals may not discharge a patient unable to pay to make room for a patient who is able to pay or is otherwise viewed by society as a more valued citizen.
If the emergency room is overloaded, patients must be treated in an order based on their determined medical needs, not their ability to pay.
Hospitals may not deny or provide substandard services to a patient who already has outstanding debt to the hospital, and may not withhold the patient's belongings, records, or other required services until the patient pays.
Hospitals and related services cannot receive a judgment against the patient in court filings made more than 36 months after the date the patient was discharged, or the last partial payment the patient made to the hospital, contractor, or agent. After that period, the patient may not be threatened with legal action if payment is not made, and may not be denied future outpatient services from the same company/agency that a patient is able to pay.
If a patient has been awarded monetary damages against the hospital or any related or affiliated services by a court of law, or has settled out of court on damages, the hospital and related/affiliated services may not withhold monies due to lack of payment, or count the money toward the bill in lieu of making payment to the patient. Voluntary consent for such an arrangement is permitted only if initiated by the patient. Hospitals may not threaten or coerce a patient into such a settlement, or mislead the patient into believing such an arrangement is required or recommended.
Patients cannot face criminal prosecution for failure to pay, even if the patient came to the hospital aware of inability to pay. Hospitals and third-party agents may not threaten patients with prosecution as a means of scaring the patient into making payment. Patient can be prosecuted under existing federal, state, or local laws for providing false name, address, or other information to avoid payment, receiving bills, or to hide fugitive status.
A hospital cannot delay treatment while determining whether someone can pay or is insured but that does not mean they are completely forbidden from asking or running a credit check. If the patient doesn't pay the bill, the hospital can sue the patient and the unsatisfied judgment will likely appear on the patient's credit report. A 3rd-party collector for a hospital bill would be covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Hospitals are prohibited from discriminating against or providing substandard care to those who appear impoverished or homeless, are not well-dressed or groomed, or exhibit signs of mental illness or intoxication. If the hospital fears a patient may be a threat to others, the hospital may delay care only as necessary to protect others.
Hospitals are required to sufficiently feed patients unable to pay at a level equal to those able to pay, while meeting all physician-ordered dietary restrictions.
Hospitals are not required to provide premium services to the patient not related to medical care (such as television) when failure to provide this service does not compromise patient care.
Hospitals and affiliated clinics are not required to provide continued outpatient care, drugs, or other supplies following discharge. In the event such services are recommended, but a patient is unable to pay, the hospital is required to refer the patient to a clinic or tax-funded or private program that enables the patient to pay for these services, and to which the patient has reasonable access. Hospitals must reasonably assist patients as necessary to obtain these services by providing information the patient requests.
I'm with you re credit cards: If I can get rewards, then I'll charge my purchases. I do think it's vital to remind yourself that you DO have to pay this in full at the end of the billing cycle. Credit sometimes gives you this feeling of possibility -- hey, I could buy a round for all my friends even thought I've got only $20 in my wallet! -- vs. reality.
That said: I'm about to go visit my daughter and enjoy taking her and SIL out to dinner. I'm bringing along $250 worth of gift cards that I got from my rewards credit card. I'm also bringing a movie gift card so we can catch a film together.
I agree plunging in too deep and too fast to any new plan such as being frugal often leads to disaster.
My biggest and best frugal tip to others is not to have too many kids. I cannot tell you how tired I am of hearing people with 3 or 4 kids complaining about the cost, it's not like they did not know in advance that kids cost money.
In some places (like Austin, TX, where I was born) you can actually recycle paint. It's all mixed together and then used to paint public buildings and Habitat for Humanity houses. In my mind, it's better to have that square footage in your home and to just buy a tiny little touch-up can when you actually need it. And that way the paint won't get gross, gummy, and old, it'll be used on something!
PS: If you're ever in Austin, look for the buildings that are a strange medium brown. They call it "Austin Brown", and it's recycled paint!
OK! Here are a few tips for the "less tech savvy" first, if you are using a computer from 1985 that still has only 512 worth of memory in it or has more than an inch of dust on it and you have a $79-40Mbps internet package...Try running a speed test to determine the top speed your computer can handle first...@ SPEEDTEST.NET...If you use a newer laptop and are experiencing issues...Check your USB port to make sure the connections are not bent or damaged. A common problem with USB ports is that the plastic separator in the USB port can easily break off and you will never even know it...It's a good idea to check the ports on a regular... If there is no separator in it or the pins look bent or disturbed...DON'T USE IT!!! and "ALWAYS" use the "SAME" USB port that you originally used to first hook up the magic jack...Switching the USB ports that the magicjack is connected to is "NOT" A good idea...If you are hooking a phone to your magicjack...READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST!!! Plug your phone into magicjack BEFORE plugging your magicjack into your computer, and make sure your phone is PLUGGED IN AND ON BEFORE INSTALLING!!! this is to make sure that you get the proper drivers so that your phone will work properly...I have been using magicjack since it was first advertised and I have had very MINOR issues...I find the BIGGEST issue with this product is USER ERROR!!! I can't tell you how many people when i ask them say that the first thing they did when the got in front of their computer they plugged in the magicjack BEFORE reading a single word from the installation manual...That's USER ERROR!!! But that's ok with me since i make a living as a comp.tech...LOL... I'm NOT an employee or do i represent magicjack in any form...But,...Do I use this product??? DAILY...And,..Do i recommend this product??? HELL YEAH!!! I have RE-INSTALLED this product hundreds of times "correctly" and received many "thanks"...The only tip I can give you is to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!
I'm a firm believer in using my credit card whenever possible. The rewards are awesome! So long as you're disciplined in paying the full bill every month - why not take advantage of it!
If you have to ask this question, you probably don't have a pet~ and I probably can't even begin to explain the value to you!! Our dog & cat are definitely worth the cost to me~ (only the dog is worth it to my boyfriend! LOL!). Their companionship is worth a lot. Our dog is a great walking partner and gives us a reason to get up and go when we don't really feel like exercising! Over the years our pets have been wonderful companions to my sons as well, teaching them nurturing skills that will stay with them for life. Their antics provide endless amusement throughout the day!
I understand that some people can't afford pets, but there are many things I'd give up before I give up my animals!
Agreed - lesson learned, but this interviewer seems like he was probably just nasty. Like some faceless folk on the internet. It was probably better that you didn't get the job. What a work environment that would have been.
It is my understanding that when merchants agree to accept a credit card they can't put a limit on the size of the purchase. Call the folks at Visa or MC or AE and check it out. Then you might be able to save much more on a big ticket purchase
I thank you so much for this article, because I am currently in the same predicament and I am so glad I have someone I can relate with 100%, except that I am still at the horrid job. It's just I'm tired of being sick and tired of this place where people don't have any integrity, get pissed off all the time at the drop of a dime, play the blame game, and when you do such a great job that it has grown the company so large, they don't give you any credit for the work you do, making you feel in the end, screwed like what did I really get out of this? A salary bump? Bonus? Nope and Nope. A sense of accomplishment? Nope, Not even an ounce of appreciation. Instead, my boss changes the employee policy as he sees fit, effective immediately without considering how it will impact his employees, for example, dropping employee gym memberships, lowering the transportation benefits, charging for health benefits, making us use up our vacation to save some moeny, etc etc. Everyone is so disorganized and dysfunctional that I am not making any personal growth. I don't feel like I'm living with a meaningful purpose at work simply because I am not surrounding myself with good people. I just want to work with good, collaborative, respectful people who are trying to achieve a common goal without tearing each other apart. Why is that so difficult? I really really really want to get laid off. The longer I stay here, the more and more miserable I get. It's like the line from Office Space that Ron Livingston makes, that everyday is worse than the day before, so everyday that goes by, that is the worst day of my life. I no longer want to work crazy hours on a salary where if I work extra I don't get extra pay, but if I work less, I get pay deducted. What kind of system is this? I am so done with this job. It's only been 1.3 years since I've been there and I really hope not to waste anymore of my life. The reality is though, that I need a job. I've got student loans, and other bills to pay. I don't get severance like a lot of people on here have mentioned. I only get cobra to pay an arm and a leg. However, I still want to get laid off. The least I want out of this cheapskate is unemployment. I hope he notices how unmotivated I am at work. I hope he notices how much I hate him and resent him for all the crap that he has not had any repercussions for, YET. I hope he has an ounce of human in him to feel pity and lay me off.
As a recent single person, pets are definitely worth the effort and time. Granted, like children they are cost involved, but the companionship and love they provide is priceless.
Thanks for taking the time to read the whole article! I'm actually a bit surprised PT (the author) didn't mention the fact that you actually can get into Costco without a membership if you say you are going in to buy alcohol. You have to have a way to get past the card checkers at the door in order to get to the free food, so there's your go to excuse!
If anything the article is a satirical reality check on how stingy people can get when it comes to saving money. Not surprisingly there are people who implement some of those money-saving tactics. Sadly, some people end up resorting to these desperate measures in order to get by. Obviously Wise Bread does not endorse theft as a means of keeping food in your belly, but personally I found this article to be an eye-opening mix of comedy and reality that reminds people that there are lines when it comes to frugality and that those lines should not be crossed.
I always have some dried chorizo in my kitchen. When you pack this, you can spice up lots of dishes with just a few chunks. When you fry the chorizo it releases its juices and fat, so you don't need extra oil or butter.
I ordered health insurance through an agent providing AWA SelectCare insurance, however, when I recieved the informaiton, it was not what was explained to me I spoke to customer service who told me that I would get a full refund including the $99 fee that AWA charges if I canceled prior to the start date of the policy, which is 3/15/12. I knew it was non refundalbe, however, I asked that it be returned since I did not ever use their services. Do I have a legal right to my refund as this is a lot of money. What can I do if they refuse to return it? It is on a credit card. Thanks.
MG,
I'm not a alwyer, but I would say, yes you legally ahve the right to cancel the health insurance if they didn't offere what they told you. Some of thos companies gor sued for that raeson.
However, things I've been doing for a while to get my money back are:
1.Filing a compalint with BBB and Attorney General. But many companies are not bothered by those ans they simple don' respond, but it's a good things to do because the more complaints are there, the more likely laywers are to start filing a law suit against them.
2. I file a claim with my credit card company stating that I didn't receive what I paid for. They will send you sort of affidavit that you need to fill out.There are a few choices there an din your case it would be "merchadise not recieved".
Good luck!
The Truth about "Charity Care" in American
by a person dying and in these situations.
My story: I need an echocardiogram because I have CHF (congestive heart failure). Even at a public hospital, they have refuse to do the test unless I can magically come up with the money up-front. Then, I can apply for charity care. If I can pony up $3,000-$5,000, I don't need charity care, right? I'm broke, no insurance, nothing. I see a physician's assistant at the health department to manage a cardiac condition. Yeah, he's super nice but that's really totally inadequate treatment (need a cardiologist).
I'm almost one of those 45,000 that died due to no healthcare or inadequate healthcare. (2006 numbers).
More than 25% of Americans uninsured. It's actually 60 million in the USA not 50 million like they always say.
How The Hippocratic Oath is a Joke
The Hippocratic Oath requires a doctor to treat anyone that comes to them. Yeah, they swear this Oath. They just don't do it. The Oath basically says being a doctor is a calling not a business. What does this mean? The Oath is violated daily. In other words, any doc has to help even if they just have an office regardless of the ability to pay. But, I know full well if you go to a doctors office and have no money and/or insurance, they will refuse and they just tossed their Oath in the trash. Another example -- your have really bad, crooked insurance (or it gets canceled the day before) that pays almost nothing. You go to your doc and need help with a flu or cold. He can refuse even though he/she just violated their Oath. The Hippocratic Oath is much, much more comprehensive that EMTALA because a doctor has to treat anyone that comes to them.
Just ask the billing office (insurance collector even in ER will have applications or where to get them) for a "Charity Care" application and be honest about your situation.
The huge problems with Charity Care -
1. For-profit hospitals give very little (if any). Need surgery and aren't there for an emergency? You have nearly a zero chance in hell of being helped. These hospitals are often accused (and do) patient dumping. Dumping is sending them home, the street or a public hospital for treatment. Yes, doctors that took a Hippocratic Oath to help anyone that presents themselves send patients on their with emergency conditions and even during recovery.
2, Non-profit hospitals will do this for ERs and admits (ER admits and/or "Emergency Admittance") and all tests and surgeries in those situations.
3. If it doesn't say ER on the door, clinics, testing facilities, your nice local doc your had before losing money and/or insurance, etc. won't help anyone and flat out refuses 99% of the time. Dr. Julie or John that was your GP for 20 years, as an example, can simply refuse if you go to their office.
Rights for Emergency Room Patients
(The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) of 1986)
Note: If this is violated in any way, you can sue and they can be fined substantially.
ASK FOR THEIR EMTALA RULES WHEN YOU ARE IN THE ER! And, read it!
Federal Law requires all hospitals and emergency clinics (ER sign) that accepts Medicare to examine and treat all emergency situations. They can be fined substantially ($40,000 per incident) if they do not even examine the patient. Example -- if you twisted your ankle and can walk (nothing broken), they can refuse as an example after doing a simple exam under law!
1. No matter what hospital, for or non-profit, they are required to examine you to see if you have an emergency condition, regardless of the ability to pay, until you are stabilized. Stabilized means you can be safely transferred to a public hospital or sent home. If you aren't stabilized they can't send you home/another place. If they do, get a lawyer and call the Federal HHS agency. They just broke the law and you can sue and HHS can fine them. (I think it's HHS).
2. Say you claim heart attack, they better rush you back. Not only do they have to examine you, but this example of an emergency, has to be treated the same exact way (ER procedure) regardless of the ability to pay. A lawsuit added the required extra step of how you are treated in an emergency. Basically, even though the Hippocratic Oath requires treating anyone, the law know does as well. The Hospital must use any and all resources to render assistance in an emergency to a non-paying person just like they would a paying one. Example: You have a cold and they treat a cold as an emergency, they can't put you in the hall closet and treat you. If a paying patient gets an MRI for a cold, they have to do the same for you. No exceptions,
3. If you're pregnant and in labor (if you're a pregnant guy, call the news media because your set for life..giggle), they have to treat and stabilize before any move or discharge. Yeah, they have to deliver a baby. I seriously doubt a hospital would be stupid enough to turn a pregnant woman away since it's a lawsuit and huge fine and tons of bad publicity.
4, If your on hospital grounds anywhere (the grass by the cars) and you have an emergency, they better take you in the ER for exam or the person that finds you better call someone and get you in the ER. Yeah, if the hospitals janitor finds you, he better go get help. A lawsuit won this right.
5. The can't delay treatment trying to figure out if you can't pay!!!!
6. If they can't treat your illness or injuries, they must immediately find a way to get you to another facility!
7. The ER or anywhere in the hospital that treats your EMC (emergency medical condition) is required. If it's better in Neurosciences, they must do it. Whatever they do for paying patients, they have to do for non-paying ones.
8. Many more things below on EMTALA:
Hospital obligations
Hospitals have three obligations under EMTALA:
Individuals requesting emergency care, or those for whom a representative has made a request if the patient is unable, must receive a medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition (EMC) exists. The participating hospital cannot delay examination and treatment to inquire about methods of payment or insurance coverage, or a patient's citizenship or legal status. The hospital may only start the process of payment inquiry and billing once they have stabilized the patient to a degree that the process will not interfere with or otherwise compromise patient care.
The emergency room (or other better equipped units within the hospital) must treat an individual with an EMC until the condition is resolved or stabilized and the patient is able to provide self-care following discharge, or if unable, can receive needed continual care. Inpatient care provided must be at an equal level for all patients, regardless of ability to pay. Hospitals may not discharge a patient prior to stabilization if the patient's insurance is canceled or otherwise discontinues payment during course of stay.
If the hospital does not have the capability to treat the condition, the hospital must make an "appropriate" transfer of the patient to another hospital with such capability. This includes a long-term care or rehabilitation facilities for patients unable to provide self-care. Hospitals with specialized capabilities must accept such transfers and may not discharge a patient until the condition is resolved and the patient is able to provide self-care or is transferred to another facility.
Amendments
EMTALA Laws:
(If you are a doc, nurse, etc. that thinks I'm lying, go ahead and don't examine someone and get fined and sued.)
Since its original passage, Congress has passed amendments to this act. Additionally, state and local laws in some places have imposed additional requirements on hospitals.
These amendments include:
A patient is defined as "stable," therefore ending a hospital's EMTALA obligations, if:
The patient is conscious, alert, and oriented.
The cause of all symptoms reported by the patient or representative, and all potentially life-threatening, limb-threatening, or organ-threatening symptoms discovered by hospital staff, has been ascertained to the best of the hospital's ability.
Any conditions that are immediately life-threatening, limb-threatening, or organ-threatening have been treated to the best of the hospital's ability to ensure the patient does not need further inpatient care.
The patient is able to care for themselves, with or without special equipment, which if needed, must be provided. The required abilities are:
Breathing
Feeding
Mobility
Dressing
Personal hygiene
Toileting
Medicating
Communication
Another competent person is available and able to meet the patient's needs following discharge.
All patients have EMTALA rights equally, regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, residence, citizenship, or legal status. If patient's status is found to be illegal, hospitals may not discharge a patient prior to completion of care, though law enforcement and hospital security may take necessary action to prevent a patient from escaping or harming others. Treatment may only be delayed as needed to prevent patients from harming themselves or others.
Overloaded hospitals may not discharge a patient unable to pay to make room for a patient who is able to pay or is otherwise viewed by society as a more valued citizen.
If the emergency room is overloaded, patients must be treated in an order based on their determined medical needs, not their ability to pay.
Hospitals may not deny or provide substandard services to a patient who already has outstanding debt to the hospital, and may not withhold the patient's belongings, records, or other required services until the patient pays.
Hospitals and related services cannot receive a judgment against the patient in court filings made more than 36 months after the date the patient was discharged, or the last partial payment the patient made to the hospital, contractor, or agent. After that period, the patient may not be threatened with legal action if payment is not made, and may not be denied future outpatient services from the same company/agency that a patient is able to pay.
If a patient has been awarded monetary damages against the hospital or any related or affiliated services by a court of law, or has settled out of court on damages, the hospital and related/affiliated services may not withhold monies due to lack of payment, or count the money toward the bill in lieu of making payment to the patient. Voluntary consent for such an arrangement is permitted only if initiated by the patient. Hospitals may not threaten or coerce a patient into such a settlement, or mislead the patient into believing such an arrangement is required or recommended.
Patients cannot face criminal prosecution for failure to pay, even if the patient came to the hospital aware of inability to pay. Hospitals and third-party agents may not threaten patients with prosecution as a means of scaring the patient into making payment. Patient can be prosecuted under existing federal, state, or local laws for providing false name, address, or other information to avoid payment, receiving bills, or to hide fugitive status.
A hospital cannot delay treatment while determining whether someone can pay or is insured but that does not mean they are completely forbidden from asking or running a credit check. If the patient doesn't pay the bill, the hospital can sue the patient and the unsatisfied judgment will likely appear on the patient's credit report. A 3rd-party collector for a hospital bill would be covered under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Hospitals are prohibited from discriminating against or providing substandard care to those who appear impoverished or homeless, are not well-dressed or groomed, or exhibit signs of mental illness or intoxication. If the hospital fears a patient may be a threat to others, the hospital may delay care only as necessary to protect others.
Hospitals are required to sufficiently feed patients unable to pay at a level equal to those able to pay, while meeting all physician-ordered dietary restrictions.
Hospitals are not required to provide premium services to the patient not related to medical care (such as television) when failure to provide this service does not compromise patient care.
Hospitals and affiliated clinics are not required to provide continued outpatient care, drugs, or other supplies following discharge. In the event such services are recommended, but a patient is unable to pay, the hospital is required to refer the patient to a clinic or tax-funded or private program that enables the patient to pay for these services, and to which the patient has reasonable access. Hospitals must reasonably assist patients as necessary to obtain these services by providing information the patient requests.
Thanks.
You should add another one that I see popping up all the time:
"How do you handle conflict with co-workers?"
I'm with you re credit cards: If I can get rewards, then I'll charge my purchases. I do think it's vital to remind yourself that you DO have to pay this in full at the end of the billing cycle. Credit sometimes gives you this feeling of possibility -- hey, I could buy a round for all my friends even thought I've got only $20 in my wallet! -- vs. reality.
That said: I'm about to go visit my daughter and enjoy taking her and SIL out to dinner. I'm bringing along $250 worth of gift cards that I got from my rewards credit card. I'm also bringing a movie gift card so we can catch a film together.
I agree plunging in too deep and too fast to any new plan such as being frugal often leads to disaster.
My biggest and best frugal tip to others is not to have too many kids. I cannot tell you how tired I am of hearing people with 3 or 4 kids complaining about the cost, it's not like they did not know in advance that kids cost money.
Awesome advice. Get the a card where you can get 2% back on purchases so that car purchase rebate would've been $100 instead of $50.
I'm also in the process of refinancing to a 15 year fixed 3.5% loan..no closing costs....can't beat it...no brainer.
I save because I want to get married...
In all honesty, I do save with marriage in mind. It'll probably happen in the next few years. :)
In some places (like Austin, TX, where I was born) you can actually recycle paint. It's all mixed together and then used to paint public buildings and Habitat for Humanity houses. In my mind, it's better to have that square footage in your home and to just buy a tiny little touch-up can when you actually need it. And that way the paint won't get gross, gummy, and old, it'll be used on something!
PS: If you're ever in Austin, look for the buildings that are a strange medium brown. They call it "Austin Brown", and it's recycled paint!
OK! Here are a few tips for the "less tech savvy" first, if you are using a computer from 1985 that still has only 512 worth of memory in it or has more than an inch of dust on it and you have a $79-40Mbps internet package...Try running a speed test to determine the top speed your computer can handle first...@ SPEEDTEST.NET...If you use a newer laptop and are experiencing issues...Check your USB port to make sure the connections are not bent or damaged. A common problem with USB ports is that the plastic separator in the USB port can easily break off and you will never even know it...It's a good idea to check the ports on a regular... If there is no separator in it or the pins look bent or disturbed...DON'T USE IT!!! and "ALWAYS" use the "SAME" USB port that you originally used to first hook up the magic jack...Switching the USB ports that the magicjack is connected to is "NOT" A good idea...If you are hooking a phone to your magicjack...READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST!!! Plug your phone into magicjack BEFORE plugging your magicjack into your computer, and make sure your phone is PLUGGED IN AND ON BEFORE INSTALLING!!! this is to make sure that you get the proper drivers so that your phone will work properly...I have been using magicjack since it was first advertised and I have had very MINOR issues...I find the BIGGEST issue with this product is USER ERROR!!! I can't tell you how many people when i ask them say that the first thing they did when the got in front of their computer they plugged in the magicjack BEFORE reading a single word from the installation manual...That's USER ERROR!!! But that's ok with me since i make a living as a comp.tech...LOL... I'm NOT an employee or do i represent magicjack in any form...But,...Do I use this product??? DAILY...And,..Do i recommend this product??? HELL YEAH!!! I have RE-INSTALLED this product hundreds of times "correctly" and received many "thanks"...The only tip I can give you is to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!
I think my cats are worth it, they are my babies!
I'm a firm believer in using my credit card whenever possible. The rewards are awesome! So long as you're disciplined in paying the full bill every month - why not take advantage of it!
If you have to ask this question, you probably don't have a pet~ and I probably can't even begin to explain the value to you!! Our dog & cat are definitely worth the cost to me~ (only the dog is worth it to my boyfriend! LOL!). Their companionship is worth a lot. Our dog is a great walking partner and gives us a reason to get up and go when we don't really feel like exercising! Over the years our pets have been wonderful companions to my sons as well, teaching them nurturing skills that will stay with them for life. Their antics provide endless amusement throughout the day!
I understand that some people can't afford pets, but there are many things I'd give up before I give up my animals!
I like WiseBread on fb!
Dave Ramsey once said, "Rich people don't use credit cards." I would easily trade the burden of keeping and managing a credit card for $50.
Agreed - lesson learned, but this interviewer seems like he was probably just nasty. Like some faceless folk on the internet. It was probably better that you didn't get the job. What a work environment that would have been.
It is my understanding that when merchants agree to accept a credit card they can't put a limit on the size of the purchase. Call the folks at Visa or MC or AE and check it out. Then you might be able to save much more on a big ticket purchase
I thank you so much for this article, because I am currently in the same predicament and I am so glad I have someone I can relate with 100%, except that I am still at the horrid job. It's just I'm tired of being sick and tired of this place where people don't have any integrity, get pissed off all the time at the drop of a dime, play the blame game, and when you do such a great job that it has grown the company so large, they don't give you any credit for the work you do, making you feel in the end, screwed like what did I really get out of this? A salary bump? Bonus? Nope and Nope. A sense of accomplishment? Nope, Not even an ounce of appreciation. Instead, my boss changes the employee policy as he sees fit, effective immediately without considering how it will impact his employees, for example, dropping employee gym memberships, lowering the transportation benefits, charging for health benefits, making us use up our vacation to save some moeny, etc etc. Everyone is so disorganized and dysfunctional that I am not making any personal growth. I don't feel like I'm living with a meaningful purpose at work simply because I am not surrounding myself with good people. I just want to work with good, collaborative, respectful people who are trying to achieve a common goal without tearing each other apart. Why is that so difficult? I really really really want to get laid off. The longer I stay here, the more and more miserable I get. It's like the line from Office Space that Ron Livingston makes, that everyday is worse than the day before, so everyday that goes by, that is the worst day of my life. I no longer want to work crazy hours on a salary where if I work extra I don't get extra pay, but if I work less, I get pay deducted. What kind of system is this? I am so done with this job. It's only been 1.3 years since I've been there and I really hope not to waste anymore of my life. The reality is though, that I need a job. I've got student loans, and other bills to pay. I don't get severance like a lot of people on here have mentioned. I only get cobra to pay an arm and a leg. However, I still want to get laid off. The least I want out of this cheapskate is unemployment. I hope he notices how unmotivated I am at work. I hope he notices how much I hate him and resent him for all the crap that he has not had any repercussions for, YET. I hope he has an ounce of human in him to feel pity and lay me off.
As a recent single person, pets are definitely worth the effort and time. Granted, like children they are cost involved, but the companionship and love they provide is priceless.
Thanks for taking the time to read the whole article! I'm actually a bit surprised PT (the author) didn't mention the fact that you actually can get into Costco without a membership if you say you are going in to buy alcohol. You have to have a way to get past the card checkers at the door in order to get to the free food, so there's your go to excuse!
If anything the article is a satirical reality check on how stingy people can get when it comes to saving money. Not surprisingly there are people who implement some of those money-saving tactics. Sadly, some people end up resorting to these desperate measures in order to get by. Obviously Wise Bread does not endorse theft as a means of keeping food in your belly, but personally I found this article to be an eye-opening mix of comedy and reality that reminds people that there are lines when it comes to frugality and that those lines should not be crossed.
I agree with you. There needs to be some wiggle room to have fun or your budget will explode.
Yes. My dog is my baby and my best friend. He's loyal, loving, and accompanies me on many adventures. He's also a great listener.
Like you on FB.
I always have some dried chorizo in my kitchen. When you pack this, you can spice up lots of dishes with just a few chunks. When you fry the chorizo it releases its juices and fat, so you don't need extra oil or butter.
I ordered health insurance through an agent providing AWA SelectCare insurance, however, when I recieved the informaiton, it was not what was explained to me I spoke to customer service who told me that I would get a full refund including the $99 fee that AWA charges if I canceled prior to the start date of the policy, which is 3/15/12. I knew it was non refundalbe, however, I asked that it be returned since I did not ever use their services. Do I have a legal right to my refund as this is a lot of money. What can I do if they refuse to return it? It is on a credit card. Thanks.
I've been using #3 for a while now - might as well get a little cash back for those daily purchases that you're going to have to make anyway!