My wife is dependent on an implanted pump to deliver a measured amount of morphine into her spine to control her pain. When we signed up with Option Care, we were told that we would be responsible for $85 per refill to cover a nurse's visit to refill the pump.
On 9/16/00 her alarm went off to signal that she is in need of a refill. We called her doctor to set an appointment. A short time later, we recieved a call from the drug provider saying that we owe $800 and that we will not get her needed medication without prompt payment.
After alot of negotiating and pleading, they said that we now owe $597 and without paying this amount, they will withhold the medicine.
They told us nothing about a refill kit costing another $50. Had we known, we would never had delt with them because we cannot afford what they are charging. We honestly didn't know anything about extra charges. We were never told.
They now tell us that the kits are not covered by our medical insurance nor medicare.
We had thought that we were paying all along, but now we are stuck paying money that we cannot afford. We've never been mugged by phone before. As bad as that is, what is even worse is that they are holding my wife's needed medication as hostage.
If there is a billing dispute, so be it, but it is wrong to cause someone harm by withholding a medication that could cause harm by that person not recieving it. It should be illegal. I know it is morally reprehensible.
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