Support with post-surgery ER bill.

Last summer, I underwent a small nasal surgery for sleep apnea, which my insurance paid for. Two days later, I woke up at night with a nosebleed that would not cease, and I went to the ER at Evanston Hospital. I was treated for the nosebleed, the wound was redressed, and I got some blood work to check for my clotting factor. I was sent home with painkillers and pills to promote clotting.

My insurance declined to pay for my ER visit, claiming that “bleeding due to a medical procedure does not constitute an emergency”. Despite lengthy appeals from Northwestern’s patient advocate services, Aetna has refused to pay the ~$4500 bill. The university’s emergency aid services also said that they are “limiting assistance to very critical cases” due to recent federal cuts to the institution’s budget.

Amidst all this, the bill was sent to collections in February and began accruing interest and fees in May, bringing the amount owed to ~$5000 as of last month. I have paid off the current outstanding interest of ~$500, and I am seeking $4500 to settle the original bill before the next accrual date in mid-July.