Re: cost: I stayed in the hospital six days and five nights for my course of IVIG (though I think it could also be done at home--they put me in because I was having trouble swallowing, and because it was my first course). The total hospital bill was $75,000. BUT: the total that my insurance company paid the hospital was $13,000.

The insurance company has contracts with the hospital and doctors. In the past, when I was uninsured (before I got MG!) I used to ask for the self-pay discount, and then I would get the price the insurance company pays. But they only do this for you if you ask!

If you are uninsured, many hospitals will write off your bill if your income is reasonably low.

Seeing the bills always upset me. My insurance company paid $500 for a speech therapist who came and watched me swallow once, and even more for an occupational therapist who gave me tips on how to conserve energy. I mean, the hints were humorous and all, but I could have gotten a better laugh for a dollar by renting a funny movie.

Abby