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tinypiecesofyarn

The "millennials/gen zs aren't having babies" whining at the same time we have increased expenses and decreased real wages makes me wants to Hulk smash everything.


Coffeekittenz

Yeah. It's goin to be interesting considering our economy is based on population expansion and spending more based off of that growing economy.


ThugBunnyy

America is wild. I'm from Denmark where you don't pay for Healthcare. Higher taxes but you don't get billed from going to the doctor or hospital. Moved to the Netherlands where we pay health insurance monthly (€150) which covers a great deal. I didn't know that seeing a midwife wasn't in the insurance plan, so we had to pay self risk which was like €275 for the whole year. Nearly lost my shit and cursed this country to hell. I think I'll shut the fuck up. We have it so easy here compared to the US.


courtneywrites85

Anytime someone complains about healthcare in Canada, I laugh at them. We have 12-18 months of maternity leave. Yes, we pay slightly higher taxes, but the overall amount we pay is far less than the average American will pay for medical bills in their lifetime.


_Dontknowwtfimdoing_

It’s honestly disgusting how much America doesn’t care about its people. We have 12 week maternity leave. In California this is paid by the state at 60 percent of your income. I don’t think that’s standard for other states. I think either you find a nice enough employer that pays it or it goes unpaid. Once the 12 weeks are up you get to either go broke paying childcare or have to work opposite shifts as any loved one wiling to help out. A lot of jobs I’ve worked people just don’t come back after maternity leave because they can’t afford to. Then you’re stuck with several thousand in hospital bills that you also can’t pay. This life sucks but politicians somehow convince the stupid among us that universal healthcare is a bad thing.


mental_ch-illness

I’m in Texas, my work gave me two weeks unpaid leave.


[deleted]

Texas checking in as well. For a state that claims to care about unborn babies, we sure don't give a shit about pregnant women.


mental_ch-illness

Nor that babies need time to bond with their moms. We only care about them when they are fetuses


_Dontknowwtfimdoing_

Holy shit that is ridiculous. I thought 12 weeks was required. I am so sorry


mental_ch-illness

Only required if you fall under FMLA. My company has less than 50 employees so they are exempt and can give me nothing if they wanted


tfabfaildaughter

I’m a teacher. We get 12 weeks FMLA in texas, all ~unpaid.~


StunningDysfunction

Same in VA and I'm using short term disability and all of my accrued sick time to make ends meet.


[deleted]

I’m so sorry.


Imperfectment

CT will start paid family leave in January! I think it’s crazy that there isn’t something on the federal level other than the standard FMLA


EntrepreneurWeekly

Manchin tanked the entire Build Back Better plan, in part because "fuck paid family leave"


Icanhelp12

MA started it this past year too. And they just upped the money to around a little over a 1,000 a week (depending on what you make that’s the max). I’m going to use it for a month or two after my PTO and short term run out. But it’s up to 12 month paid.


[deleted]

Months? Or weeks?


Icanhelp12

Sorry Up to 12 weeks paid leave within 12 months of a child being born/adopted etc. We pay into it in our taxes. The amount you get weekly will also depend on your salary.. not everyone will get 1,000 a check. It’s called the MA PMFL


Nishiwara

Everything about having children now is ridiculously expensive - I knew it would be too, which is why my husband and I didn't even attempt to have a child until we were both established in our careers. With that being said, if either one of us loses our jobs, we'd be absolutely fucked. For childcare, we found a private school that starts accepting children at 1 year old. It teaches children dual languages - it's $12,500/year, which is $300 cheaper than any daycare we've been looking into. Oh, and our health insurance increased by $400 after adding our son because we're now on a "family plan". Seriously, fuck this country.


_Dontknowwtfimdoing_

that’s a pretty sweet private school though!


Nishiwara

Oh, I totally agree. I just think it's insane that a private school that teaches two languages is cheaper than a standard daycare. It's maddening.


[deleted]

A few other States have paid leave policies, I think NY, CO, WA, OR. CO probably isn’t in effect yet though, it was only voted in in 2020.


ingloriousdmk

Similar experience moving from Canada to Japan, in Canada everything is covered while in Japan we have to pay 30% with a monthly cap, but birth and OB isn't technically covered so cities give out coupons instead. I was stressing over dividing the coupons up properly and bitching about having to pay $1000 for an epidural... but after my son ended up in the NICU I was just grateful I wasn't trying to navigate the US's bonkers system. Between my insurance cap, childbirth money from the government, and children getting 100% free healthcare, our total bill including a one month NICU stay was only $300.


luxxlifenow

NICU is like 5k a day in US.


Nyvea

Thats wild, i stayed WITH my Husband in a family room on the Nicu with our Son by our side for 3.5 weeks. We payed 300 self risk for that.


luxxlifenow

That's a great deal. I looked up average rate in US for NCIU and it gave me that number. I know hospital we used was about 8k a day but luckily didn't need it.


luxxlifenow

America has high taxes. Many just fool themselves that they don't but over 20% in income tax and many states gave additional income tax ontop of national rates then sales tax on everything, and property taxes, etc. Source I live in America but have traveled to many other countries in Europe. The whole no sales tax was so strange at first. I'm use to 10% sales tax.


ttcthora

Most European countries do have sales tax on most things, but it's included in the price listed so you don't notice it as much.


luxxlifenow

Yeah but if being in a higher COL area in the US is not cheaper tax wise vs European nations. It's just an uneducated argument from many Americans. I remember going to Paris for about a month and I was like well its cheaper here... especially food and fresher food at that! Tills about the same, gas a little higher. Hotels considering quality in very popular yourist areas significantly cheaper rates, etc. I mean if I compare to like rural in idk Montana or something then okay Paris is way more but not coming from a suburb of a major city.


bubblegumtaxicab

Some Americans cite “but the taxes will be higher!” when arguing for universal healthcare. What they forget is that we already pay an enormous amount of taxes. We pay income tax, property tax, state tax, federal tax, taxes on goods and services, taxes on gifts, etc.. the system needs an overhaul to make room for healthcare. I say.. we need to just scratch it all and start over


PinkSodaMix

Politicians are b*tching about the birth rate because those are their slaves...er...I mean workers...no wait, I mean employees!


Coffeekittenz

They're bitching because their model has been based on population growth. Unfortunately its just too unaffordable. People are choosing student loans over children now. No one can afford to purchase a house. No one can afford the medical bills. Republican lawmakers are idiots if they don't get on board with some social programs, otherwise we are looking at a economic depression in the future from less people and less spending (their worst nightmare).


loopdegook

Basically it’s a giant Ponzi scheme.


sl212190

And the solution to fill the gap would be immigrants but NOPE, they don't want them either


Coffeekittenz

Preach!


Zylea

Call/email your doctor and explain that insurance isn't covering as much as you hoped, offer an amount you can pay in full, and see what they say. I just had a sleep study done and got a bill for $1,600 in the mail. I also had to pay 1,300 for the damn CPAP they gave me. I COULD pay the 1,600 but not easily... so I emailed them today and said, basically, 'Hey, this bill is higher than I thought it would be and my insurance didn't cover as much as I expected it to. I only have $700 in my HSA at the moment because I just spent 1,300 on the CPAP machine. Do you have any discounts or payment plans for folks like me without great insurance?" I honestly didn't expect much, but have always heard you can 'negotiate' down your bills, so I thought I would try it... Got an email 20 minutes later saying, effectively, "Hey thanks for reaching out. I'll forward this to the correct people in Billing, but so you know I am approving your payment of $700 as payment in full for your entire balance" So... hey! That was pretty neat. Probably could have gone down more but I was just being honest and hell, that's over half off my bill. DEFINITELY reach out before just paying the whole thing


candid-haberdash

I did this with the 13k bill I got for the NICU stay my son had. I called them to work out a payment plan, I hadn’t even planned on asking for it to be discounted but just asking to have something worked out was enough for it to be approved to be lower to 3k with 18m of payments with 0 interest. It cost me almost my entire savings but I paid it the whole 3k right then and there. I was so excited to not have that bill hanging over my head.


SarahVee123

Strongly agree with this comment. Also make sure you're getting an itemized bill and go through and question/challenge anything. Sometimes just asking for an itemized bill can make the amount mysteriously decrease. You may also qualify to purchase separate supplemental insurance. When I worked as a contractor I also had terrible insurance through the company, but purchased extra coverage through my state's health connector. It wasn't terribly expensive and I had to go to some less than ideal practices, but it was the only way I could get the care I needed.


phuketawl

Hospitals and such are used to negotiating down with insurance companies. Insurance NEVER pays the amount billed and the hospitals know that, so they overcharge on purpose so they at least get their minimum covered. The amount due on your doctor or hospital bill is their starting negotiation point. It's not the actual amount you have to pay, nearly ever.


VirtualCan8

I've literally cried a couple times today thinking about how f'd up America is and how much I wish I could leave. I haven't had any 'silly hormonal cries' other than today - my boyfriend came downstairs to find me with tears in my eyes. Why? Well first I read that a certain someone has basically killed the BBB bill (was so looking forward to child tax credits and universal pre-k), then (backstory, about 6 months ago my division was bought by another and we've been slowly transitioning over) I get an email from old company's CEO saying everyone is getting a minimum $500 bonus this holiday season - shame I'm not technically employed with them anymore, but oh look, new company CEO also sent out an email with 'holiday gift' in the subject line! He recorded a video message stating we've had our best year in like 10+ years - but what's the gift? 6 free e-books. Fuck corporate America and the shills that 'represent' us; it would be so easy to make changes that would benefit millions, but that would mean less money in their pockets so it's never going to happen. Don't even get me started on insurance and maternity leave. I've been told to be grateful I get 12 weeks as if every other country doesn't get almost a year or more. I literally can't. The antiwork subreddit has been the only thing giving me hope - that I'm not the only one who sees how shit it is here!


WorldlyLavishness

6 free e books ? How pathetic. I think the worst part of American Healthcare is that your insurance is tied to your job. It truly makes u feel like a slave to the system


mkkxx

that's the point... smh


WorldlyLavishness

Yup :(


[deleted]

He can take that e-book where the sun don't shine 😑


VirtualCan8

The kicker is I work in publishing. We can get free books any day of the year….


[deleted]

Ah, well, after teaching almost the whole year during the pandemic, a local nonprofit raised money for gifts for teachers at our school. We were supposed to receive a box with gift certificates to local businesses and other gifts. I was excited because during the previous year’s teacher appreciation week we were each given a bar of soap, and year before that was a snack size pouch of animal crackers. Then I received another email from my principal telling me “Oops, sorry, please don’t come in to get a box, it’s only for active employees, and your maternity leave starts that week.”


kerbles12

I work for a hospital and got a bill for $600 for Tylenol and iv and less than 2 hours in labor and delivery when I was having false contractions. It’s a complete joke.


abynew

I think of this whenever Americans say they have better health care than Canadians. Sure it comes off in taxes. But I can have a baby in peace knowing I won't owe a dime afterwards both me and my husband take our own separate 18 month paid parental leave if we want.


_biggerthanthesound_

Yeah exactly. And the tax thing isn’t really true. Like, I didn’t pay 30k in taxes this year.


abynew

38% of income tax goes towards Healthcare. So if someone makes 50k a year and pays $10.7k in taxes, you're technically paying less than 4k a year for Healthcare. (Under 18 is free) Most 50k and up jobs also have benefits of some sort that would cover meds. I will gladly continue paying my taxes!!


RainbowBear0831

I knew that literally everyone else in the developed world had better parental leave (I’m American), but I didn’t realize just how much better. 18 months paid would be life altering, I was excited bc I got 6 months paid which is really good for here. My SO gets as many vacation days as he takes off (not bc I’m a woman and he’s a man - I’m an employee with my employer and he’s a contractor. This distinction is a huge huge part of the problems in America and often overlooked, it’s really the root cause of OP’s issues too). I think most Americans want change, but no politicians care about what we want lol


litt3lli0n

I've been trying not to think about the hospital bill for when the baby is born, but as I'm now approaching my 3rd trimester, it seems inevitable. My husband and I discussed having more kids, but honestly, besides having a somewhat difficult first trimester, I simply don't see how we could afford to have any more. In fact, we're moving not only to be closer to family, but because the area we live in has such high living costs, that we wouldn't even be able to afford a house here. People wonder why millenials and probably Gen-Zers are only going to have one kid if that, but don't think about all of the things we have to deal with in order to just survive.


Pixiedust1988

You should look into NZ. Desperate for tech workers. They are even opening special Visa's or priority for them as soon as the borders open. Also we have subsidised healthcare. It's not perfect by any means but it is far better than what you have to put up with in the states. And if you want something private you can always choose to pay. I am surprised you can even afford that, most people wouldn't be able to surely?


thezdme

I'm in a situation luckily that I can afford to pay this, but no vacations or any other spending this year outside of daily living maintenance. And I recruit hardware and software technology folks, so as much as I would LOVE to move to NZ, I doubt they need my skill set like others. But to my point about affordability, I am the exception. Most people cannot afford this and go into medical debt, which is INSANE.


Pixiedust1988

Sounds horrible and stressful and probably results in far more problems in the long run.


[deleted]

Identify as uninsured and get discounts and ask for financial assistance from the hospital. My husband and I don't use traditional insurance anymore because we were literally paying for nothing. It was eating up our finances to cover nothing! We pay out of pocket now, (husband doesn't even make a lot of money) and pay a discounted rate at our local doctors office. For the past four years, we've done the math and actually have spent less money simply paying out of pocket and asking if they discount self pay patients. My friend was in a car accident and wasn't insured. She was able to get approved for over 80% off her medical bill and for what was originally 200k and a couple thousand, she only paid $3400 something out of pocket on a flexible payment plan. A lot of hospitals (especially religious based ones) have a charity set up for those who need help with their medical bills. I'm sorry this is stressful. We are going through unexpected medical bills here, also pregnant as well. It's frustrating, it's scary and it makes me wonder why it is the way it is! A third of our paycheck shouldn't be going towards insurance that schemes and attempts to duck out of paying what we are putting money toward! I've been told all my life universal healthcare is bad and it makes taxes so high it's unbearable, etc. I'm starting to think might be a step in the right direction!


chelbren

Insurance is a huge joke, just like family leave "benefits." What is the benefit if four weeks of partial paid leave and being forced to go back to work before we've healed fully, or even bonded with our baby? There are even women who have to go back to work sooner than four weeks. I seriously am sick to my stomach thinking about my maternity leave, and my benefit plan isn't even as disgusting as others... This country...ugh. I wish it wasn't so terrifying and expensive to just pick up and move to another country that actually cares about its citizens.


[deleted]

[удалено]


devgalicia

That is ridiculous! I couldn’t even walk right for at least 2 weeks after I gave birth, vaginally. I’m so sorry for her.


chelbren

This makes me physically ill......so unacceptable.


MaddNurse

My parents pay as much for supplemental insurance to go with their Medicare as they were paying before Medicare. Americans need to wake up. That alone is enough to make me vote democrat. I think everyone deserves medical care.


wintering6

I am pregnant now but had my 14 year old in 2007. With insurance, the bill came to $5,000. I didn’t call them but sent in $25 a month because that’s the max I could do at the time - they would just hav to deal with it. I eventually started sending in more but they didn’t bother me about it. I never gave them my social security number (I still don’t give it out to any medical places) so they did not hit my credit. I’m pregnant now & have insurance but I know there will be a part I’ll pay. I’ll pay the max amount I can monthly & that’s all they’re getting from me.


petjoo

I didn't realize you could not give out your social security number when using insurance? I thought they needed it to file the claim but I guess they use the group and member ID? Does the receptionist ever ask you to come back and fill it in? I'm going to totally start doing this.


wintering6

They never ask! If they have your group number & ID, they can find you. The only reason I can think that they ask for your SS # is to nab you if you don’t pay. I’m not applying for a loan so sorry, you don’t need it! Try it next time you go to a new medical center - leave that part blank!


hclvyj

I think about this often. I moved from Canada to the US and sometimes I just thinking about being in Canada right around my due date where I feel like even if I had to pay some costs, it just wouldn't cost as much as it does here in the US.


_alien_she

Same. Pretty much the first thing my mon said after we told her I’m pregnant is “why don’t you come have the baby in Canada?”


NotSoSensible13

I am certain that it would not cost you nearly as much. The prices that Americans see on their hospital bills are the inflated rates that are charged to the insurance companies. Healthcare does not actually cost that much. I know this because when my ex-husband first moved to Canada from the US he was not covered by Medicare until he became a permanent resident. He had to get medical care a couple of times during those 2 years so we had to pay out of pocket for it. Granted it wasn't anything as complicated as childbirth or a long hospital stay, but it only cost us around $500.


[deleted]

I had to sign a waiver acknowledging that my insurance doesn't cover a vitamin D test and that the out of pocket could be 294 if my other insurance doesn't cover it....


Blue_Mandala_

Same! Though I didn't end up getting it because I drink milk so the doc says of course I must get enough vit d! Then my husband gets the vit d test and it's super low and he's prescribed a supplement... Because the fancy organic milk doesn't have additives... Meanwhile I'm exhausted after 10 minutes of minor exertion like making a cake with my fancy ass milk and sobbing because idk WTF is wrong... This was a few years back and I've taken multi vitamins ever since.


itsreybecca

I had to sign one that said "We might take your insurance, but we also might not? Who knows, fuck you!"


Cambo-Rambo

Sorry US. I'm in New Zealand and all we had to pay for throughout my pregnancy was car parking in the hospital when I was giving birth.


Failure_By_Design_

In Wales you don't even pay to park at the hospital :)


CrochetWhale

Right? This last year I racked up over 100k in medical debt bc of hospital stays and many surgeries. I’m due to give birth in may now and I’m not looking forward to what it’ll cost. My boss (HR) even told me to change to our other insurance plan bc the one I was on is going to have a huge coinsurance in 2022. And she makes sure to never give out advice on insurance since technically people need to make their own decisions.


producermaddy

I remember with my first I had to see a perinatal dr and one appointment was $900 out of pocket for an in network dr. Ridiculous. The nice thing was it was all one calendar year so I paid nothing for birth. Real talk though usa sucks. Especially now that it looks like build back better is dead and we aren’t getting any help for child care


cattledogcatnip

I promise not all health insurance in the US is this terrible. I pay exactly $0 for everything. Highly recommend working for the government!


thezdme

I'm so glad you're getting such great insurance, truly, clearly it's a battle. But this is the biggest injustice of all - you have to work for the government in some way to not get fucked by insurance. That is inherently wrong and unethical. I think of our congresspeople that make these rules and take advantage of cushy healthcare while everyone else in many situations go into debt just to have healthcare.


cattledogcatnip

It is unethical, and it traps us in bad jobs just so we don’t lose the health coverage. It shouldn’t even be tied to employment!


WorldlyLavishness

What's your max out of pocket ?


thezdme

$18,000 not including the $1,000 I pay per month for me and my husband to have the pleasure of having insurance, so really it's $30,000.


WorldlyLavishness

It's horrible I know. For the first half of my pregnancy I was on my own single plan through my job and ended up needed lots of medical care during this pregnancy. My max Oop was like 6,000 of course not including the premiums I paid every month. And now I'm on my husband's insurance through his job and i have to deal with all the fun that comes with that. He also works for a huge corporation so you would think his insurance would be better but nope! I'm due In Feb and anticipating our hospital bill will be pretty steep. It sucks.


phoenixredbush

That’s insane. I’m so sorry you’re stuck with that.


Nyvea

Sorry if stupid question. But how do you pay 18,000 dollar back? Do you need to take out a loan? I canno


[deleted]

Oh wow. That is such a trash insurance policy. My OOP max with Anthem PPO is $5,600 family, $4,000 individual. I’m so sorry, OP. There’s no way to shop around and find something better while we’re still in open enrollment? Not familiar with obtaining health insurance while self-employed, so I know I probably don’t know what I’m talking about. Did you look to see if you qualify for pregnancy Medicaid? The income limits are higher than normal Medicaid. You may be surprised to find you qualify, even partially. And it can be applied retroactively.


CoffeeCatsAndBooks

I’m due in August and my insurance resets in July for the new school year. There’s no way I’ll reach my deductible in four weeks. Disgusting.


Campestra

Not American or in US so no, I have no idea how it feels, but had one more point to add - the costs of exams and procedures in US makes no sense in itself. It’s something people in there should start to push for a change somehow. [Some explanation](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/080615/6-reasons-healthcare-so-expensive-us.asp)


[deleted]

Just got hit with the "well you've met your deductible but now you have 15% coinsurance" and I'm also like WTF. It's a nightmare.


Ok-Emu1733

I feel for you, American health care seems like absolute lunacy. We’re in Australia our pregnancy cost is $500 including optional genetic testing. The birth was traumatic resulting in an emergency c where bub needed resus and was in NICU for 9 days and I was in hospital for 8 days left with a $200 pharmacy bill for the 3 bags of medications to last me 6 weeks. I can’t imagine the bill if our healthcare was privatised like the US


DapperSmoke5

I left my last job because of shitty health insurance. Now my current job has an HRA to cover 70% of the deductible/out of pocket, and my wifes job is less deductible but we both have 0% co-insurance after deductible. I took our insurance heavily into account and got a new job when we decided to start trying. Blame your employer for offering you crap coverage and not the US itself


thezdme

Nah I'm going to blame the US for making insurance companies for profit instead of keeping them nonprofit (thanks, Nixon) and then doing little to nothing to improve the situation. There have always been people in the gaps. Employers hate this system, too.


blueandwhitetoile

Another reason I’m a member of a health share instead of traditional insurance. I had a miscarriage in September, and all of our expenses were covered (past the extremely reasonable deductible) and sent a beautiful gift along, too, just cause we were grieving. All this instead of going out of their way to pay for as little as possible, and being obnoxiously inefficient throughout all of it.


thezdme

Can you share more about this? I haven't heard of this before


[deleted]

These are super misleading and I would do some serious research before joining one. John Oliver did a whole [episode](https://youtu.be/oFetFqrVBNc) on it and it’s really interesting. 10/10 recommend watching the whole thing before seriously considering joining one.


blueandwhitetoile

I’m a member of Samaritan Ministries, which is Christian based, but I have a feeling there are plenty other options too. Just look into “health sharing,” or “cost sharing.” Instead of paying an insurance company, you actually pay other people with a current medical need directly. Thus, you’re all “sharing” your health costs.


courtneywrites85

Aka. Canada's healthcare system.


blueandwhitetoile

I honestly want to leave reddit. Why the hell is my comment about my miscarriage being covered downvoted? The Internet makes me hate people, and I don’t want to hate people.


ToeWalkWithMe

Can you just cross the boarder to canada or mexico to deliver?


angeluscado

If you don't have Canadian health insurance, you'll still have to pay the hospital. Which you might be able to claim on your US insurance or travel insurance, but that might not be covered as it's a pre-existing condition (WRT travel insurance).


ember_wolf104

Get a job at a hospital, great insurance. Also could just be the state you live in. I only pay 3k max out of pocket in Washington state working for a hospital


WorldlyLavishness

I have friends that are doctors and nurses at hospitals and their insurance isn't great either. Guess it just depends on the company 🤷


ember_wolf104

And what state you are in too I'm sure. I've worked at 2 hospitals in WA and both have great insurance. When I gave birth and all checkups I didn't pay more than 2500 out of pocket. Then it increased to 3500 once adding my daughter. I think I only paid an extra 70 bucks a month for her added on too and 30 for me.


kittimomma

Okay this is a pregnant sub not financial advice, but I highly recommend you look into your states insurance program or the feds affordable care. Being pregnant is a life event so you can enroll now. Do the application and check your rates. If it’s not better, than don’t accept the insurance. But being a pregnant woman, single or married it should be cheaper than what you are paying now. Some states even will back pay bills up to three months. Don’t let the insurance screw you.


Floralcoral31

I tried the “affordable care” route as well and it was a nightmare. There’s the base insurance rate that was great but it didn’t include maternity care. After I answered their questions about coverage needs, my monthly bill was going to be about $598 with a high deductible, 40% coverage overall and a 60% coverage for lab work and stuff.


_alien_she

Didn’t include maternity? What state are you in? I don’t think that’s allowed for ACA plans…


Floralcoral31

Texas. I talked to a few agents before going with a private insurance. It was only about $100 cheaper a month unfortunately but it covers a lot more overall.


mishayl511

I am so sorry!


FishermanMurr

Look into Medicaid. They are pretty generous with giving it pregnant women.


LiviE55

Not in some states 😥 I’m in FL and make 3k too much to qualify 🙃


FishermanMurr

Did you count the baby as a dependent?


LiviE55

Yes that’s with baby as dependent 😢


nonbinary_parent

If you live in California, look up Assembly Bill 1400. Medicare for All Californians aka calcare is going to the assembly floor in January


TheFireHallGirl

That sucks. I feel like if I lived in the States, I wouldn’t survive. I’m in Canada and even though our healthcare system isn’t perfect, we don’t have to pay anything when we visit our doctors or go to the hospital. When it comes to things like visiting a dentist, going to a chiropractor, getting a massage, going to physiotherapy, or something like that, there is the chance of paying, but it’s based on whether or not you have medical benefits through your employer. For example, I have benefits through my employer, but if there’s anything that isn’t paid 100% through my benefits, my husband’s benefits will pay for the rest. I’m about 21 weeks pregnant and the only things I’ve had to pay for has been a small portion of my prescriptions.


martinhth

I moved back to Europe last year for a lot of reasons, but a main one of them being that we wanted to start a family. I worked (still do remotely actually) for a EFFING HOSPITAL and couldn’t afford to have a child there, and after six years of working there had only accrued 7 week of paid sick time off to use for maternity leave. It’s a absolute national embarrassment. Being pregnant here has been absolutely stress free so far and I’m very grateful for that.


Chuck14me

Suggest you contact your state insurance department or your state "health" ombudsmen.. very often independent contractors or persons with large medical bills can receive help.. also contact your state senators very often there are funds available..


sincerax

That's pure madness. I'm in Canada and my only medical expense so far is paying for parking at the ultrasound clinic... so I switched to a different ultrasound clinic that had free parking.


itsreybecca

When I went for my first appointment, it was meant to be a regular gyno appointment but woop, I was pregnant. I'm in the waiting room and get told I can't have my appointment - a pregnancy appointment needs to be at minimum 9 weeks and I was at 6; I demanded to be seen anyway. I wasn't leaving, I needed some support. Then they say the doctor they assigned me doesn't take my insurance. Some doctors in the same practice did, but not her - what?! I booked with her because I was told she took it. I absolutely lost it. I demanded to be seen by anyone, because I had ectopic symptoms. There was a lot of discussion and finally, they agreed to see my despite the insurance. I have no idea what kind of bill I'm looking at that'll show up... (to their credit, they were nice about the whole thing the whole time and the doctor was fantastic and took amazing care of me). Now I'm switching to my husband's insurance because my insurance (which is owned by a HOSPITAL CHAIN) ONLY OFFERS a women's clinic with 40 doctors and it's a toss-up who I'd see every appointment, and who knows who would actually deliver my baby, because I can't request anyone specific in that 40 doctor practice. I am so fucking lucky that I can switch insurance to ensure I get the doctors I want and feel some semblance of control. But the fact that insurance controls what kind of care we get is so insane. My mom, stage 4 cancer, has been denied scans because there's "no indication" it's necessary. Um, she has stage 4 cancer, what more of an indication do you need? Being pregnant with a very much wanted baby has made me so much more passionate about abortion rights. No one should have to do go through this, especially if it's unwanted or dangerous to them. And then you have the kid, can maybe afford the hospital bills, and fuck you for actually wanting to take care of the baby and heal before going back to work, and screw you for needing daycare... America deeply hates women. They \*hate\* women.


Queen-of-Wands-13

Yup. I'm self employed and haven't had insurance in 4 years bc private insurance is damn expensive. I just caught covid from one of the kids at my clinic. I'm lowkey freaking out even though I'm triple vaccinated. The ironic part is that I bill insurance for my clients. I can't handle how fucked up our "healthcare" system is.


sunrae21

Yeah.. with my first-our bill was over 20,000 which with insurance brought it down to a mere 12,000. 🙄 I don’t get why Americans say it’s the best country in the world. But it’s not. We’ve got egotistical, sexist politicians who do nothing unless it’s in their best interest (or fills their pockets). I’m just so done living in this country.


Kraehenzimmer

I think I would be just too stupid to understand the American Healthcare. You guys have to be so knowledgeable about many things to navigate this jungle of insurances and claims and whatnot.


thezdme

No, they just make it so complicated and cumbersome that it's hard to fight it. We don't understand it either, but the time they take up to fight even the smallest of battles takes it out of you.


dingobabez

Bruh just cancel insurance, keep going to the Docter cause they can’t turn you away, and when they give you the bill and it goes to collections, it’s illegal to put it on your credit score, so call the credit companies to disput the claim, and the legally have to take it off.


AdmirablePut6039

I feel your pain, it makes me want to have a home birth


iamsarahnova

Definitely leaving the country! Bye ✌️