aussie_best

Hi,

My hubby is AT&T direct employee and he is on AT&T standard medical cover.The plan have $2400 deductible per year for family.The plan covers preventive methods. I applied for the immunization claim of my child but its very hard to get a single penny back as they need diagnostic codes and CPT codes on all claims. We have HSA savings account which have tax complications (eligible expenses**). He is on H1B and today I figured out that I am pregnant :-) May be I heard a lot of horror stories related with medical insurances and pregnancy cost etc. in US.

I know it will be tough but I see no options....

Cheera

Rete

I've read your post several times and don't know what you are asking us?

You should have had your doctor submit his bill for payment directly to the healthcare insurer rather than you paying for it out of pocket and then going to reimbursement. This is normally how it works.

What are the tax complications with an HSA? I have had one for many years and have no tax complications with it.

Congratulations on your pregnancy but what is it you want to know?

Also why have you mentioned your visa fees?

Bob

Get in contact with your insurance provider, they should be able to help.

Usually, your doctor submits to the insurance and then ages later you get a bill for any out standings that the insurance doesn't pick up.

penguinsix

As others said, get the doctors do the submissions. It not a DIY project unless you know things like codes and whatnot, which nearly no one understands.

There are special caveats in most insurance plans re: pregnancy, usually to your benefit. Contact your insurer to find out the specifics. For example, our first born cost only $40 out of our own pocket and insurance covered the rest.

Dreamingaloud

$40 and you had more kids?! Who said kids were cheap eh!

AmerLisa

My husband also works for AT&T, the deductible is grand, isn't it? I'm looking at over $1000 of medical bills for when I hurt my wrist this past December, all uncovered by United Healthcare because I haven't met the deductible. The only "good" thing is that the insurance negotiates a lower fee for doctor visits, blood tests, etc.

I have no idea about the pregnancy side of things. But I'm assuming you have to meet your deductible before the insurance kicks in. Sorry....

But congratulations on the pregnancy!

TracyTN

Every insurance company handles pregnancy differently. In my case, I have only paid $40 out of pocket so far and that was for an extraneous ultrasound. Beyond that, every single visit and test has been covered 100% (and I've only got 8 weeks to go). I don't have a deductible to meet either. Unfortunately, you have to play their game which often times is not ideal.

Ash UK/US

I found pregnancy coverage to be the most straight forward of all my dealings with doctors/hospitals/insurance.

SarahG

I thought you needed to have separate cover for pregnancy. I am going to check our insurance documents. Just in case. (I'd have more kids but hubby isn't keen. He thinks pregnancy examinations, ultrasounds, the birth etc would bankrupt us)

Ash UK/US

Unless you are on bare bones basic coverage then no.

penguinsix

I think most state insurance laws require a plan to cover pregnancy. They don't want expectant mothers to skip appointments because they can afford pre-natal care.

aussie_best

I am just curious can the people on H1B/H4 or F1/F2, go for Medicare or Medicaid or CHIP etc.

penguinsix

Depends on the state. See this thread for public health options when pregnant

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...98#post8045998

SarahG

Just had a look at that and wouldn't you know the State I am in is not on the list!

aussie_best

It looks not that bad (at least some breeze of fresh air). H1B/H4 or F1/F2 can get at least some benefit of paying medicare and social security from their each paycheck...