WOW!! THANK YOU PJ FAM!! (This is gonna be a long read...)
HesCalledDyer
Maryland Posts: 16,498
in Lost Dogs
I wasn't sure where to post this but it seems there was a thread started here in Lost Dogs by our good friend @mcgruff10 to help me out in some trying times, so I'll respond on the same board as well. I took some time off work (been off since Thursday and going back next Monday) and since that is where I do most of my "forum-ing" I haven't been on here much in the past few days. I've checked in on my phone to a few threads I follow but haven't been active much more than that. But this deserves a take your time and sit down in front of the computer type of response.
Almost a year ago, I unsuspectingly had a stroke and was hospitalized for 5 days. I hated every minute of it. All I could think about were the bills I was going to amass over it because we all know that health insurance in the United States is nothing but a scam to make the wealthy even wealthier. I was surprised when I only received a bill for $250 which was the cost of my in-patient copay. That took a couple months but I eventually paid it off. I knew I had numerous follow-up appointments with various doctors and would have copays for those visits as well. Didn't seem like too big a deal. I had recovered well and was responding to medication and dietary changes as far as my blood pressure was concerned - which was the most contributing factor to the stroke - so I figured I'd be cleared by everyone and be on my way. This is where I was wrong.
The only doctor that cleared me right away was the neurologist. What followed from the other specialists was a series of tests, follow-ups from those tests, more tests to make sure everything was still going well, more follow-ups, etc. This meant copay after copay after copay. I expected this and figured I would pay off the $20 copays whenever I could. Then it all started to go downhill. Some doctors were considered specialists and the copays were $30-50 instead of $20. I began getting bills for blood tests, imaging, sonograms, ultrasounds, equipment use, etc. Routine tests I've had before and never paid a dime for much less be billed for them before I was hospitalized. For some reason, that all changed in 2018. While some of these tests were new to me and were done to rule out other contributing factors, most of them are the same tests that have always been covered 100% before I was hospitalized but now considered by the insurance company as either "not medically necessary for the condition provided" or "not covered under your plan for the reasons given by your physician." It seems as though these things were fine as long as they were preventive measures, but post-incident they're just not important and CIGNA couldn't be bothered. I'm really curious as to how an insurance company can determine what is or isn't medically necessary and overrule doctors' orders, but this was exactly what I expected and feared when I woke up in the emergency room last October. I'm also curious as to why doctors don't fight for the best interest of their patients by disputing the insurance company to cover the bills, and instead just pass the bill along to the patient the first chance they get. Again, this is the US Health Care System Scam, so I'm not sure why I'm surprised. To make a long story short, I've amassed well over a grand in medical bills just from basic follow-up appointments and the same routine tests I've had over the last three years. Combine that with not only the costs of medications rising, but also the fact that I am on more medications since October, it's been extremely tough to keep up with it all. Some of it I just said fuck it and let go to collections because I'm just fed up with it all. I am at least happy to report I am finally back on a regular schedule with only my normal doctor, so hopefully the expenses will be fewer & farther between and more manageable when they come.
This is where you guys come in. I guess it was a little over a week or so ago that I commented on the Vault 8 thread asking when the deadline to order was because I needed to save money to buy it. It was then I shed light on why I needed to save money, as this has been a rough year for me financially. I've always sort of lived paycheck to paycheck but still had spending money to do spending things and be just barely comfortable. Since about March this year, that simply hasn't been the case. I got a couple replies & PM's about buying the Vault for me which I did not expect and posted a response on the Vault thread declining the offer, but then it was Mike who messaged me about others being on board and convincing me to go along with it.
I didn't even know he started a thread here until I bumped a thread of my own a couple days ago. I don't know if I was meant as a "don't open til xmas" kind of thing, but I glanced through it anyway. I truly, sincerely cannot thank you all enough for the kindness and generosity you put on display there! Really, for me? The guy whose every other word on here is "fuck" and can be a complete grump at times? I've never really considered myself that important to a bunch of people who I really only know through words & avatars on a computer screen, but I suppose that is the true nature of being a Pearl Jam fan and a Ten Club member. I know I've always tried to help others here when I can, whether its donations to Holy Grails, causes you support, the RAK thread, etc, so while it is shocking it really isn't all that surprising that you'd do the same for me.
In addition to a message from Mike on Friday that the Vault had been ordered for me, this morning I received a text notification from Paypal for a very generous gift of over $500! WHAT??!!!! Guys, holy crap!! When he messaged me last week and said a number of people were on board, I never even imagined this. This is a HUGE relief! I've been putting off getting a couple prescriptions refilled for almost two weeks now (which isn't good because I have an appt with my doctor in a week. That and CVS won't leave me the fuck alone with reminder calls). Not only will I get those filled and get back on the full regimen in time, it will fully cover the two bills I had go to collections, and help pay a nice chunk of the rest I owe. I'm not a very open person about these parts of my life, so it's kind of tough for me to broadcast all of this on a public forum, but you've made it feel like family here. I really don't know how I'll ever thank you guys enough or repay you for what you've done. I'm almost in tears as I write this.
All I can say is I'm glad I have my life, my health, recovered fully with no deficits from the stroke. These times are tough & stressful right now - not just with me but the state of the world and the nation on top of all that. I've tried to stay as positive as possible this year and just enjoy the times and people I have around me. I know I've been grumpy and downright angry at times, and you all can attest to that, but this gesture really makes me believe we can all make the world a better place for those finding themselves in unfortunate times. If we can do it on this scale, it can blow up to something even greater.
A HUGE "THANK YOU" TO MIKE aka @mcgruff10 FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER AND TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART - BE IT DONATION, THREAD BUMP, KIND WORDS, GOOD VIBES, VOODOO, ETC. I am deeply indebted to all of you and I promise to continue to uphold the kindness, generosity, caring, and good nature that has been the vibe of the Pearl Jam family throughout the years.
THANK YOU!!!!!
P.S. As I mentioned in the Vault thread, please make sure you are registered to vote and use your vote wisely so we can have health care reform that benefits every US citizen, not just the wealthy. Beyond vinyl records and helping pay medical bills, that is still the biggest contribution anyone here can make!
Almost a year ago, I unsuspectingly had a stroke and was hospitalized for 5 days. I hated every minute of it. All I could think about were the bills I was going to amass over it because we all know that health insurance in the United States is nothing but a scam to make the wealthy even wealthier. I was surprised when I only received a bill for $250 which was the cost of my in-patient copay. That took a couple months but I eventually paid it off. I knew I had numerous follow-up appointments with various doctors and would have copays for those visits as well. Didn't seem like too big a deal. I had recovered well and was responding to medication and dietary changes as far as my blood pressure was concerned - which was the most contributing factor to the stroke - so I figured I'd be cleared by everyone and be on my way. This is where I was wrong.
The only doctor that cleared me right away was the neurologist. What followed from the other specialists was a series of tests, follow-ups from those tests, more tests to make sure everything was still going well, more follow-ups, etc. This meant copay after copay after copay. I expected this and figured I would pay off the $20 copays whenever I could. Then it all started to go downhill. Some doctors were considered specialists and the copays were $30-50 instead of $20. I began getting bills for blood tests, imaging, sonograms, ultrasounds, equipment use, etc. Routine tests I've had before and never paid a dime for much less be billed for them before I was hospitalized. For some reason, that all changed in 2018. While some of these tests were new to me and were done to rule out other contributing factors, most of them are the same tests that have always been covered 100% before I was hospitalized but now considered by the insurance company as either "not medically necessary for the condition provided" or "not covered under your plan for the reasons given by your physician." It seems as though these things were fine as long as they were preventive measures, but post-incident they're just not important and CIGNA couldn't be bothered. I'm really curious as to how an insurance company can determine what is or isn't medically necessary and overrule doctors' orders, but this was exactly what I expected and feared when I woke up in the emergency room last October. I'm also curious as to why doctors don't fight for the best interest of their patients by disputing the insurance company to cover the bills, and instead just pass the bill along to the patient the first chance they get. Again, this is the US Health Care System Scam, so I'm not sure why I'm surprised. To make a long story short, I've amassed well over a grand in medical bills just from basic follow-up appointments and the same routine tests I've had over the last three years. Combine that with not only the costs of medications rising, but also the fact that I am on more medications since October, it's been extremely tough to keep up with it all. Some of it I just said fuck it and let go to collections because I'm just fed up with it all. I am at least happy to report I am finally back on a regular schedule with only my normal doctor, so hopefully the expenses will be fewer & farther between and more manageable when they come.
This is where you guys come in. I guess it was a little over a week or so ago that I commented on the Vault 8 thread asking when the deadline to order was because I needed to save money to buy it. It was then I shed light on why I needed to save money, as this has been a rough year for me financially. I've always sort of lived paycheck to paycheck but still had spending money to do spending things and be just barely comfortable. Since about March this year, that simply hasn't been the case. I got a couple replies & PM's about buying the Vault for me which I did not expect and posted a response on the Vault thread declining the offer, but then it was Mike who messaged me about others being on board and convincing me to go along with it.
I didn't even know he started a thread here until I bumped a thread of my own a couple days ago. I don't know if I was meant as a "don't open til xmas" kind of thing, but I glanced through it anyway. I truly, sincerely cannot thank you all enough for the kindness and generosity you put on display there! Really, for me? The guy whose every other word on here is "fuck" and can be a complete grump at times? I've never really considered myself that important to a bunch of people who I really only know through words & avatars on a computer screen, but I suppose that is the true nature of being a Pearl Jam fan and a Ten Club member. I know I've always tried to help others here when I can, whether its donations to Holy Grails, causes you support, the RAK thread, etc, so while it is shocking it really isn't all that surprising that you'd do the same for me.
In addition to a message from Mike on Friday that the Vault had been ordered for me, this morning I received a text notification from Paypal for a very generous gift of over $500! WHAT??!!!! Guys, holy crap!! When he messaged me last week and said a number of people were on board, I never even imagined this. This is a HUGE relief! I've been putting off getting a couple prescriptions refilled for almost two weeks now (which isn't good because I have an appt with my doctor in a week. That and CVS won't leave me the fuck alone with reminder calls). Not only will I get those filled and get back on the full regimen in time, it will fully cover the two bills I had go to collections, and help pay a nice chunk of the rest I owe. I'm not a very open person about these parts of my life, so it's kind of tough for me to broadcast all of this on a public forum, but you've made it feel like family here. I really don't know how I'll ever thank you guys enough or repay you for what you've done. I'm almost in tears as I write this.
All I can say is I'm glad I have my life, my health, recovered fully with no deficits from the stroke. These times are tough & stressful right now - not just with me but the state of the world and the nation on top of all that. I've tried to stay as positive as possible this year and just enjoy the times and people I have around me. I know I've been grumpy and downright angry at times, and you all can attest to that, but this gesture really makes me believe we can all make the world a better place for those finding themselves in unfortunate times. If we can do it on this scale, it can blow up to something even greater.
A HUGE "THANK YOU" TO MIKE aka @mcgruff10 FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER AND TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART - BE IT DONATION, THREAD BUMP, KIND WORDS, GOOD VIBES, VOODOO, ETC. I am deeply indebted to all of you and I promise to continue to uphold the kindness, generosity, caring, and good nature that has been the vibe of the Pearl Jam family throughout the years.
THANK YOU!!!!!
P.S. As I mentioned in the Vault thread, please make sure you are registered to vote and use your vote wisely so we can have health care reform that benefits every US citizen, not just the wealthy. Beyond vinyl records and helping pay medical bills, that is still the biggest contribution anyone here can make!
Star Lake 00 / Pittsburgh 03 / State College 03 / Bristow 03 / Cleveland 06 / Camden II 06 / DC 08 / Pittsburgh 13 / Baltimore 13 / Charlottesville 13 / Cincinnati 14 / St. Paul 14 / Hampton 16 / Wrigley I 16 / Wrigley II 16 / Baltimore 20 / Camden 22 / Baltimore 24 / Raleigh I 25 / Raleigh II 25 / Pittsburgh I 25
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Comments
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2014: Cincinnati
2016: Lexington and Wrigley 10 -
You deserve it bud! Get better and spin vault 8 loud as hell. Thanks again to everyone for helping out. Oh yeah I got another donation this morning so you ll be getting another PayPal notification soon. Much love.
Mike.I'll ride the wave where it takes me......0 -
You're one of the good ones, Dyer. Always keeping it real. And 90% of your posts have me thinking "That's what I would have posted", or "Sounds like me". So I always appreciate your posts and your presence here. Speaking of one of the good ones, well done Mike @mcgruff10!
P.S. I agree 100% with your thoughts on health care and the crisis we have in this country. I've posted about it a number of times in AMT, and echo your call for people to get out and vote for change."I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/080 -
Ur a good dude. Glad you’re recovering. This place always keeps me coming back after twenty yrs here because of threads like this.0
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So glad to help out; even if it was just a drop in the collective bucket. You’re a good guy, man and I wish you nothing but health and good times ahead.
MattI LOVE MUSIC.
www.cluthelee.com
www.cluthe.com0 -
Awesome to know that not only are you getting your Vault order, but there was some extra to help out with unexpected and unforeseen bills. Cheers to you bud when you spin that vault, and wishing you a speedy recovery.0
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Always happy to help, Dyer, and if you haven't already you should speak with someone about negotiating with the Doctors or at least getting on a payment plan. My understanding is that if you act in good faith that you will not see your credit fucked.
BrettThe love he receives is the love that is saved0 -
Happy to help. Well done mike and everyone in the community.0
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We love u!!!0
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Cheers man!
spin..... spin.....0 -
Stay on the mend, dude! I love that you're always screaming shit about the Cubs that I'm only thinking!2000 - 8/21 - Columbus, OH
2003 - 6/18 - Chicago, IL
2006 - 5/22 - Auburn Hills, MI
2007 - 8/5 - Chicago, IL
2015 - 9/26 - New York, NY
2016 - 4/16 - Greenville, SC; 8/20 - Chicago, IL; 8/22 - Chicago, IL
2018 - 8/18 - Chicago, IL; 8/20 - Chicago, IL
livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=30450 -
Cory, donating to this was one of the easiest decisions that I have ever had to make. Glad to be able to be involved in this.
- 2006: Gorge 1
- 2009: Seattle 1
- 2013: Seattle
- 2016: Wrigley 1 & 2
- 2018: Seattle 1&2, Montana
- 2020: San Diego, LA 1&2, Oakland 1&2
- 2022: San Diego, LA 1&2, Fresno, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Denver
- 2024: Vancouver 1, Portland, Las Vegas 1&2, Seattle 1&2, Missoula, Dana Point 1 & 2
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TA243471 said:Cory, donating to this was one of the easiest decisions that I have ever had to make. Glad to be able to be involved in this.
The love he receives is the love that is saved0 -
Where should I send my late donation? To Mike or directly to you?2006 Clev,Pitt; 2008 NY MSGx2; 2010 Columbus; 2012 Missoula; 2013 Phoenix,Vancouver,Seattle; 2014 Cincy; 2016 Lex, Wrigley 1&2; 2018 Wrigley 1&2; 2022 Louisville0
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Hey Dyer. Glad to see that you are getting better. I have been in the same place as you with medical bills. Just remember that it is only money and your health is the most important thing. Don't let it stress you out. Health Care in the US is def a scam. Hopefully one day, our children won't have to deal with the crippling debt that so many of us have from medical bills. and like Brett said......... negotiate with your doctors to pay what you can. even if it is $5 a month. don't let them bully you into paying beyond your means. also....... Go Cubbies!!!!
livefootsteps.org/user/?usr=446
1995- New Orleans, LA : New Orleans, LA
1996- Charleston, SC
1998- Atlanta, GA: Birmingham, AL: Greenville, SC: Knoxville, TN
2000- Atlanta, GA: New Orleans, LA: Memphis, TN: Nashville, TN
2003- Raleigh, NC: Charlotte, NC: Atlanta, GA
2004- Asheville, NC (hometown show)
2006- Cincinnati, OH
2008- Columbia, SC
2009- Chicago, IL x 2 / Ed Vedder- Atlanta, GA x 2
2010- Bristow, VA
2011- Alpine Valley, WI (PJ20) x 2 / Ed Vedder- Chicago, IL
2012- Atlanta, GA
2013- Charlotte, NC
2014- Cincinnati, OH
2015- New York, NY
2016- Greenville, SC: Hampton, VA:: Columbia, SC: Raleigh, NC : Lexington, KY: Philly, PA 2: (Wrigley) Chicago, IL x 2 (holy shit): Temple of the Dog- Philly, PA
2017- ED VED- Louisville, KY
2018- Chicago, IL x2, Boston, MA x2
2020- Nashville, TN
2022- Smashville
2023- Austin, TX x2
2024- Baltimore
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DYERS GETTIN' UPSET!!!
haha, happy to help out, buddy.By The Time They Figure Out What Went Wrong, We'll Be Sitting On A Beach, Earning Twenty Percent.0 -
Stay strong Dyer !!! Will be getting out to vote too ! Like you and Ed said at B1, we can all say something with our votes !!!0
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OP
www.cluthelee.com0 -
TL;DRI SAW PEARL JAM0
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That's awesome! I witnessed all kinds of generosity like this over the weekend in Boston. Wishlist foundation or just random acts here and there. Reading this also makes me happy to be Canadian when it comes to the Health System.0
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