I got a notification from my health insurance company that there was a new claim. I checked it, and it was for this test - to the tune of $8500. I thought it was an decimal since any lab tests on my insurance are only an $85 co-pay. They denied the claim because it's not a coverable test. I just got a statement from Castle Biosciences explaining what this test is, and I looked it up. I never authorized this test. I had a melanoma. It was removed. My doctor sent it to have this test done without my authorization. It's still considered experimental - Medicare will cover up to $7193 of the $8500. However, I'm not old enough to qualify for Medicare yet. So it looks like my doctor stuck me with a test I didn't authorize, for something that isn't proven to be useful, and I'm going to be on the hook for $8500. Because it's not a coverable test, it doesn't even count toward my yearly out of pocket on my insurance.

I don't have $8500. I am on social security, three years away from being eligible for Medicare. If I gave them 100% of my social security check every month I'll be homeless, but I'll have the bill paid within a year. This is so bogus. I'm SO angry. No wonder old people have anxiety. And - if I was poor enough to qualify for a free lawyer, or rich enough to pay for one, I wouldn't be griping.