Winter 2009
Volume 11 Number 4
Children are Expensive, and so is their Medical Care
Anyone who said two can live as cheaply as one must have lived a long time ago! Partners in Pediatrics recognizes the financial challenge it is to feed, clothe and care for children. Our mission statement declares that we work as partners with you, the parents of our patients, to provide quality health care in an efficient way—and that means cost-effective, too. We are continually looking for ways to get your child the care he or she needs in the most economical manner.
Prescription medications are increasing in cost, but the use of generic medications can significantly decrease your expense. We will routinely prescribe a generic medication if there is one available. Always feel free to discuss your prescription options with your provider.
Insurance plans are changing. Many now include high deductibles and copays, and HRAs
and HSAs are increasingly common. The elimination or limitation of coverage for some services is not unusual. Our staff members are often asked if a particular service will be paid, or how much would be paid. Unfortunately we can’t ever tell you, all plans are different.
We urge you to ask your employer questions about your coverage. Customer service at your insurance company can be helpful also. Having some basic expectation about your coverage and the amount you may be responsible for in any given year will help you plan for your out-of-pocket expenses.
Any family can be hit by an unexpected job loss, illness or other emergency. The loss of insurance coverage is not uncommon. What should a family do then? There are options available and there are some individual health insurance policies that can work well for a family. The state of Minnesota offers Minnesota Care and you can get more information at www.dhs.state.mn.us/healthcare. We also have applications at our offices.
Many families are unaware of the Women Infant and Children (WIC) food program. This program offers vouchers for pregnant moms, infants and children. Eligibility is based on income, and a family with two children under age five can earn up to $4,859 a month and still qualify for free food vouchers. More info is available at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/wic/index.html or you can contact your county for details.
Generic infant formula is readily available and is another way to cut down on your family’s food bill.
Immunizations are a significant expense, and vital to your child’s health. If you are uninsured, or do not have coverage for immunizations, your child may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children program.This state and federally funded program offers immunization at no cost, except for the administration fee, to children and adolescents who qualify. We will routinely ask you the qualifying questions when your child is here for a well child examination.More details are available at your clinic site.
So, you are unemployed and you owe the clinic for some care your child had a few months ago. What should you do? You have received a bill from us reminding you of a past due account. CALL OUR BUSINESS OFFICE. We are committed to working with you to manage your debt.
Reasonable payment plans can be arranged and your children can continue to be seen in clinic. Your good will and effort to take care of your debt is greatly appreciated.Call a financial advisor in our business office at (763) 278-0800 to discuss your account.
In this rough economic climate, we are here to lend a helping hand so that your children can continue to receive quality pediatric care.
