Medical Expenses, Samaritan Ministries and the Frugal Life
Watching Husband scanning the hospital bill I wonder if it is wise to be given a hospital bill two days after a heart attack. Husband handled the bill well even though amazed at the charges. I was most grateful to know that we are members of Samaritan Ministries and that other members would be making contributions to help us pay this medical bill. Husband's comments on the astronomic charge for the heart catherization he received made me realize the amount charged would be about a whole year's salary for our family.
The call had come in the afternoon. Firstborn Son's voice was calm and sober. He shared that he had received a call at work and Youngest Son and he were on their way to take Husband to a medical clinic. Husband had not been feeling well for some time. Because of similar issues in the past which had been deemed digestive after some cardio tests had proved negative, we had been treating Husband for digestive issues. More than likely the tests had not been as indepth as they should have been and the clinic saw that Husband had had a heartattack at some point in the past. My second call informed me that Husband would be on his way to the emergency room.
After a heart catherization and two new stents, Husband is feeling much better. We are so grateful the Lord allowed him to get to the hospital before a massive heartattack took place. Husband's relative good health and life of physical activity has stood him well and his recovery looks good. The prayers and support of family and friends have been such a blessing.
Not "pill people" Husband and I are adjusting to his new medications. After things stabilize and with good counsel, we hope to find some more natural products for his needs. For now though, we have joined those seeking to find the best costs for medications. A new category has been added to our budget. I am grateful for some catagories with extra funds so adding this new category should not "hurt" too much.
Also we are so grateful that our membership in Samaritan should provide most of the costs of our bill. Samaritan Ministries is not an insurance plan and does not guaranty payment of your medical bills. Yet our experience of the faithfulness of God's people to share in the medical costs of others gives us much hope our bill will be paid quickly. The hospital offered us a 65% discount for prompt payment. We hope to be able to work this out.
If anyone would be interested in more information regarding Samaritan Ministries, please click on the advertisement on the Frugalhacks site. This is a ministry that would be for those professing Christ as Savior. Kimc who owns this blog will benefit if any should choose to join. Samaritan offers a month's rebate on any referrals made. Kimc I am sure would appreciate this blessing if you click through on this site. Just think, where else can you find such a deal? Bills paid, fellow members committed to prayer for your needs and the opportunity to save the amount of your monthly share if someone you refer to Samaritan joins as well.
For those who prayed for our drought and we then received glorious spring rains, any prayer for Husband's heart to bounce back quickly would be appreciated!
5 Responses to “Medical Expenses, Samaritan Ministries and the Frugal Life”
June 5th, 2012 at 10:13 am
We are also members of Samaritan and it has been a blessing! An unexpected emergency c-section and NICU stay ended up costing us less out of pocket than either of our two natural births (one hospital, one basically homebirth) with insurance. We’ll be praying for you and maybe even sending you our share
And with a self employed husband the monthly cost to us is less than half of a private insurance policy, we know who and what our money is going towards and we are treated like humans not profits when we call and talk to other humans about our medical needs. It is really wonderful!
Praying for a good recovery,
Heather
June 6th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Thank you Heather!
June 7th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Also a Samaritan member here and we too are thankful for the needs that we have had shared through the generosity of other members. God is good to work through His people in this way.
As far as the “not pill people” reference, I can certainly sympathize with you. Have you looked into a COQ10 supplement? It is the base, organic compound that aspirin is synthetically made from. I don’t know what your husband’s needs are…just thought I’d offer that suggestion. Also, garlic, kale, and fresh parsley might be good things to include in his diet. My mother is an herbalist/nutritionist (the good kind.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenzyme_Q10
June 11th, 2012 at 8:48 am
We are not members of Samaritan’s Ministries, but have considered joining. My DH quit his job a few months ago, but will be receiving a salary through September, along with health insurance benefits. (He was a public school teacher.) We are not sure what God has planned for him as a job, but we are sure he will be faithful to provide for a man who wants to work to support his family. It will be interesting to see how He will provide for us. Anyway, I appreciate your sharing about the ministry and we will be considering it again, when our health insurance benefits have ended. I will be praying for your husband’s complete recovery and am praising God for His working in the situation already.
Thanking God, also for the rain He has sent your way. We have had an abundance of spring rain, as well. Now, we need it to dry out a little so we can get the bean plants staked!
We are not “pill people” either, but find ourselves in need of medicines to treat asthma and allergy issues. I’m wondering if John’s mother has a webiste he could share with us or if she could recommend a good one to visit. My son’s asthma is induced by his allergies and I’d like to learn more to control those and reduce our dependence on pills, if it is possible to do safely.
October 17th, 2012 at 12:25 am
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