Question....... kinda urgent.....

[Waya]

My boyfriend was life flighted to Pittsburgh Wednesday after a diagnosis of Subdural Hematoma in the Ememrgency Room. Ordinarily, he would not qualify for Medicaid, however, someone told me that when a life flight is involved Medicaid would pick up his Medical costs, regardless of eligibility prior to the emergency. Anyone know if this is true?

He is still in the Hospital in Pittburgh - he had to have brain surgery and I have no idea for how long he has to stay in there. The bill for the chopper already came today (don't lose any time, do they?) - over $13,000 just for that. Hospital bills, surgery, etc - probably looking at well over $30,000 to $40,000, if not more, by the time it's all over. He is employed (no insurance), however, he doesn't make the kind of money that would pay for these amounts.

Any info would be appreciated.

[MH1]

1. Maybe try this

Information and Referral Service

Find the closest number and call it...they might be able to give you some information. I don't know anything about this but I tried searching on the internet and this is the best I could come up with. It looks like a free information service.

I hope your boyfriend recovers well and you find the resources to deal with the bills. :hug:

[Waya]

2. Thanks for the info.

He is expected to make a full recovery. :)

[PhishWithLemon99]

3. try contacting...

your state rep or state senator's office. They usually do a lot of constituent service involving questions about government programs funded and administered by the state like this. I'd recommend either faxing or emailing, with a follow-up phone call the next day. Usually they need something in writing in order to act on your behalf.

Find out who your guys are at www.legis.state.pa.us

[dropkickpa]

4. If he's at a UPMC hospital

he should call the UPMC Financial Assistance Program 412-432-5500 and toll-free 1-800-854-1745.

Mercy hospital info

Mercy Care Availability At Pittsburgh Mercy Health System

Mercy Care covers services provided by the hospital. It does not cover physician services.
Services must be ordered by physicians associated with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System.
Temporary pharmacy services can be considered.
What You Need To Apply:

PA Medical Assistance denial.
Previous year's tax return.
Statement of interest/dividends.
Documentation of last 3 months of household income.
Letters of financial support.

For more information, Please contact:
MercyCare Office
Pittsburgh Mercy Health System:

For services at:
Mercy Hospital
412-232-5759
1500 Locust Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Or

Mercy Jeannette Hospital
724-527-9181 or 724-527-9182
600 Jefferson Avenue
Jeannette, PA 15644

West Penn Allegheny health system info available at http://www.wpahs.org/Unisured%20care/Uninsuredcare.html

[FREEWILL56]

5. You need to contact the hospital billing department and tell them you need to

talk to a representative for welfare as they should be there at the hospital. I had to have something done on an emergency basis in one of UPMC's satelite hospitals and they approached my other half being I was admitted. I too worked, but had no medical insurance. Now you may have some difficulties if you are not from Pa, but they should tell you who to contact if that's the case. There may also be a limit on earnings, but I'm not sure. Be prepared for lots of red tape and in person dealings with them once you get to them. Don't give up under any circumstances as they don't make it easy.