Dollar-Free Donations

Many people understand the plight that uninsured pregnant women face, before and after delivery.  Some of those people want to help; and some pregnant women are lucky enough to receive charitable donations that help them survive during economically tumultuous times.

Non-profit organizations like Maternity Health award scholarships for maternity care expenses, funded by monetary donations.  Unfortunately, not everyone can donate money – especially during a recession.

But just because you don’t have the extra cash doesn’t mean you can’t donate meaningfully, or that your gifts won’t be graciously accepted.  Dollar-free donations for uninsured pregnant women come in many forms and from many different sponsors:  businesses, individuals, families, foundations and others can always find items to donate to pregnant women.  And women who recently received charity during their own pregnancies are encouraged to pay it forward by passing along unused baby supplies to newly-pregnant women.

Take a quick look through your pantry, attic or nursery to see if you can donate:

• Maternity clothes
• Blankets
• Pillows
• Beds/Cribs/Bassinets
• Diapers
• Baby shampoo/soap
• Changing table
• Baby swing
• High chairs
• Car seats
• Books on raising babies/children
• Gift certificates
• Food
• Toys

Your donated items can save pregnant women a lot of money and help ease their struggles.  Several maternity charity organizations exist that can pass your donations along to uninsured pregnant women, or you can give personalized donations to families in your area.  You can often find a local outpost – try contacting your Chamber of Commerce for ideas – or you can donate your items to a food pantry to resell in order to pay for food for needy families.  Many of these organizations allow your donations to be earmarked for pregnant women and women with young children, so you can make sure your donations are going to the people you intend.

Dollar-free donations are easy, can help you clear clutter and make you feel good about helping those less fortunate.  Most importantly, your donations can reduce financial stresses and bring satisfaction, security and joy to pregnant women and their children.  Donate dollar-free today!

Crisis Pregnancies On The Rise… Really?

Officials nationwide have reported an increase in assistance requests for so-called “crisis” pregnancies – unplanned pregnancies that leave many women wondering how they will afford prenatal care, delivery and beyond.

I don’t like the term “crisis pregnancy.”  The term is entirely inappropriate.  A pregnancy does not become a crisis on its own, through conception only.  The crisis is dependent on socioeconomic factors.

The recent increase is not because pregnancy in and of itself has become more difficult.  It’s because the socioeconomic factors that must be weighed during the decision-making process have destabilized.  When pregnant women are laid off, out of work, have lost insurance, cannot get insurance or are otherwise disadvantaged, pregnancies become crises.

It is the impact of a “crisis economy” that has increased.  It makes it more difficult for women to make sound decisions based on their beliefs; for example, women who would not otherwise abort are doing so in order to afford to care for their older children.

When money dictates life – and death – our country does indeed have a crisis to overcome.  But it is not a pregnancy crisis.  It is an economic crisis.  It is a crisis of inequality, of disenfranchisement, of money, career and home.  Pregnancy is only a crisis when care is inaccessible and unaffordable.

These crises cannot be solved at the family level – they’re solved by government and community.  Righting the wrongs faced by pregnant women will take enormous effort, and individual women can’t do it all alone.  Legislative and policy changes must be instituted to turn crises into opportunities.

Please, don’t label your pregnancy a crisis.  If you feel that your pregnancy is a crisis, ask yourself whether you’re a victim of socioeconomic disadvantages.  Before you make decisions that could ruin your finances – or decisions that you might regret for the rest of your life – consult with qualified, unbiased experts to fully understand your options for affording pregnancy and child care.

Maternity Healthcare is in Crisis

MaternityHealth.org

The Prenatal Pandemic

While the world scrambles to understand and combat the swine flu, declared an imminent pandemic by the World Health Organization, another pandemic rages on in the United States – and this one is far deadlier.

The growing inaccessibility to proper prenatal care has caused a pandemic of enormous proportions in the United States.  Consider that:

• A lack of prenatal care means a baby is three times more likely to be born premature, and five times more likely to die;
• The number of Americans without health insurance that would cover prenatal care has grown by nine million in the last 13 years;
• The March of Dimes gave America a “D” on its recent Prenatal Care Report Card – because a full 12.7% of the 4.3 million babies born in the U.S. annually are premature;
• Over 19,000 babies die within the first 28 days of birth each year in the U.S.;
• Of those deaths, a full 30% are directly caused by premature birth…
• Meaning that premature birth accounts for over 6,000 infant deaths in the United States annually.

A lack of prenatal care leads to premature birth.  Premature birth leads to death.  A lot of it.  The bell sadly tolls for over 6,000 babies each year.  That’s more than the death count from the World Trade Center attacks, and this wound is self-inflicted.

Many of these deaths could be prevented with proper prenatal care, yet the U.S. government is more concerned with the swine flu which, as of this writing, has killed one person on U.S. soil.  In fact, President Barack Obama has even requested a whopping $1.5 BILLION from Congress to combat the spread of the swine flu.

That kind of money could cover prenatal care for nearly every uninsured pregnant woman for a year.  It seems as those who can think for themselves are more interested in protecting themselves from a relatively mild flu than protecting the babies who are unable to think – or speak- for themselves.

Even though a pandemic is characterized by the presence of an infectious disease, how can we be more fearful of a relatively mild swine flu than an epidemic that, in a decade’s time, kills more than 60,000 babies?  That’s more than the population of Carson City, Nevada.

Human life is too precious to politicize.  It’s time to get our priorities straight.  Yes, the swine flu needs addressed.  But it’s also time to take care of our nation’s babies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P_dFD0J47I

Fighting Back Against Medical Overcharges

(Here are some tips that a Patient Advocate such as myself uses to help you save money)

It is a fact that the medical system is a mess and if you are uninsured or underinsured and do NOT know your rights or if you do NOT know what to look for chances are VERY high that you will become a VICTIM of the medical establishment. I know, I know, nobody including myself wants to believe that. (But, facts are a stubborn thing) It is now estimated that 90% of all hospital bills contain errors. (Not a misprint, 90%!!!!) So what are you supposed to do to protect yourself? (Follow my tips and tricks below and you could save thousands of dollars) The bad news is the medical establishment knows that you are unlikely to do any of this, which is why Patients Advocates have become VERY popular. I know, because I am one.

There are several strategies to lower your out-of-pocket costs:

First and foremost, if you have any sort of insurance make sure you are aware of exactly what your insurance does cover and any deductibles that must be met before coverage takes affect.(Obvious, but I needed to state it)

Prescriptions:

If you are not insured or not eligible for government assistance be sure to check with Partnership for Prescription Assistance, they provide free or low cost prescriptions. www.PPARx.org or 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669). (Yes, it requires some paperwork on your part but you really can get FREE Prescriptions. I also recommend you ask your physician or local pharmacist for any coupons or refunds offered by pharmaceutical companies, you would be surprised at what is available just for asking. Also ask them about any local assistance programs that they are aware of in the area.)

It is very important that you COMMUNICATE openly and honestly with your doctor and let them know that you simply cannot afford expensive prescriptions. Most of the times he/she will have sample packs available, or will be able to prescribe generic or over-the-counter alternatives. If you are on any maintenance prescriptions inquire whether the dosage can be altered to make it more cost effective, or if it can be doubled and split to cut costs. Pill splitters are inexpensive, and you can purchase empty capsules at most apothecaries or formulary pharmacies. They may even split the capsules for you.

Doctor Bills:

Most insurance carriers pay physicians one-half to two-thirds of the billed amount, so if you are uninsured speak with your doctor personally and request a discounted rate. They will most often work with you. (If they won’t QUIT being loyal to a doctor that is NOT willing to offer you the same or better rates that he allows the greedy, self-serving “SYSTEM.”) Instead find a compassionate doctor who cares about YOU. If they request a follow-up visit see if it is possible that any fee may be waived, or at least discounted. And, if it is necessary, a follow up visit with a nurse so you won’t interrupt the doctor’s schedule and pay more. Notify your doctor that you will be paying out-of-pocket, and that you need to keep the costs down. Most respectable doctors will be happy to accommodate your request.

If any tests are suggested, make sure that you ask if they are necessary and what they will do. If you do have to have them request the paperwork so you can have it done at a lab. Or, you can request the physician waive the additional lab fees because you’re already being charged for a visit. And if you have to come in just to have blood work done you will be charged for a visit, a phlebotomist fee, and lab fees. If you go to a lab, you are charged a flat lab fee. (This is typical of MOST but NOT all situations)

If the tests are expensive (and you have insurance) be sure to check with your insurance to verify that they will be covered, or if a second opinion is necessary before payment will be made.

Hospital Bills:

This is one place most people are likely to be overcharged. There are several things you can do to prevent this. You just need to be diligent and observant and always enlist help to catch anything you may miss.

The first thing you want to do is request an itemized bill when you are checking in. They are required by law to provide this. Be sure to specify that you want an itemized list brought to your bed each evening. If they neglect to do this or deny your request, demand to speak with a Patient Advocate. They are there for you, and their job is to protect your rights. (Hospitals don’t like it, but think about it, who wants someone looking over their shoulder?) If you’re being truthful it should be NO BIG DEAL…RIGHT?

Secondly, ask if you will be charged for your final days visit. Hospitals charge a full day’s visit no matter what time you are admitted, and in return, they are not supposed to charge for the final day. But, unless you check your bill you will not know until either you are billed, or the insurance company declines to pay, and then you have to fight with them. Be sure to ask for a specific check out time also. Before the final day arrives let the doctor know that you want to be discharged by the check-out time. If he will not be on call inform him/her that either you want to be discharged the day before when he/she is on call, or, you want to see another doctor. If you still are not accommodated, let your Patient Advocate know that you will refuse to be billed because it is the doctor’s fault that you could not be discharged by the specified time.

The third thing you need to do is double check your itemized list and verify every item on it. If something isn’t clear ask a nurse for a specific description. Make sure you’re not billed for two doctor visits when you only saw a physician once. Verify that any non-essential item isn’t actually included in your room and board. Check operating room times against your charge for the anesthesiologist. Operating rooms are charged by the minute so if the charges are padded even a little it can be a substantial amount. And be sure to verify what exactly is included in operating room costs.

Finally, make sure that you have someone whom you can trust help keep track of all of the costs. Or, if you prefer have them take care of it for you. However, if any problems do arise that you feel are not adequately resolved there are people who will work on your behalf to resolve any issues. Generally speaking, these Patient Advocates will provide their services for a percentage of any savings they facilitate (NO savings, NO fees) or they will work for a flat rate. (Easy to budget for)

So, the question I get a lot. Advocate Aaron why do I need to pay a Patient Advocate? Can’t I just do it myself? The answer is simple. YES, you can do it yourself. If you get a DWI, you can also represent yourself. It is NOT recommended but you can. I only listed a few tips and tricks, the list is LONG.

I do think it is DUMB, UNFAIR, and RIDICULIOUS that you have to hire a Patient Advocate. The system should not be this messed up. The fact is the system is BAD and you DO need the help of a Patient Advocate.

Fighting for the uninsured and underinsured pregnant mom and their unborn babies,

Advocate Aaron

Pregnancy Health In the News

Advocate Aaron Rocks

The Five Most Important Things You Can Do Before Becoming Pregnant are:

1. Take 400 micrograms (400 mcg or 0.4 mg) of folic acid every day for at least 3 months before getting pregnant to lower your risk of some birth defects of the brain and spine. You can get folic acid from some foods. But it’s hard to get all the folic acid you need from foods alone. Taking a vitamin with folic acid is the best and easiest way to be sure you’re getting enough.

2. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Ask your doctor for help.

3. If you have a medical condition, be sure it is under control. Some conditions include asthma, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, obesity, thyroid disease, or epilepsy. Be sure your vaccinations are up to date.

4. Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter and prescription medicines you are using. These include dietary or herbal supplements. Some medicines are not safe during pregnancy. At the same time, stopping medicines you need also can be harmful.

5. Avoid contact with toxic substances or materials at work and at home that could be harmful. Stay away from chemicals and cat or rodent feces.