I noticed this video sharing a problem a woman experienced while being held in “under observation” status while receiving hospital care. Ms. Bricout was classified “under observation” status for her 3 days of inpatient care before being transferred to a skilled nursing facility for rehab services. She received 9 weeks of care that she later determined fell “under observation” label . This meant she would be billed to the tune of $28,350 for her care. She did not know that although she was receiving medical care she had not technically been admitted to the hospital. OMG is what I have to say. But now I know why under observation can mean your insurance company will not reimburse you.
According to California Health advocates, Medicare separates outpatient services and inpatient care, even though the care received could be the same. “Yet, the resulting big difference with this labeling technicality is that Medicare will only cover skilled nursing care after at least 3 days of inpatient hospital care. Patients who receive 3 days of hospital care under the “observation status” label do NOT meet this criteria. ”
This is a huge discrepancy with terrible ramifications. It is not something I’d necessarily be concerned about. But I feel threatened by all the changes in insurance, the large numbers of boomers aging young, and a feeling that we cannot do much about this.
Fortunately there are advocates nationwide working on a solution. Here’s a way for all of us to take action to stop this. Even though you may not have an issue with this presently, maybe your parents, friends or love ones need this information. The Center for Medicare Advocacy has put together a campaign for people to take action. Click here to tell your legislators to support this bill. Let’s do something about this.
Oh MY God is what I will say again. How do you feel about this?
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