[cyclelops]

FICO is now going to keep a Medical Credit Score on us.

This will be so hospitals can see how likely we are to pay our bills back...they say it will not affect our access to care (yeah right)

It is called the Med FICO Score...

So folks what do you think about this???

[fanfaire]

I'd say I need more info. What is FICO?

I might have gotten a pretty good rating in the past because I've always paid my bills on time, in full, etc. But I got my first statement of charges from the Mayo Clinic today, and the amount for just the week I was there in December exceeds what I earn in a YEAR! That doesn't even include the tests and consultations from January, so I imagine my medical "credit" rating will be heading for the toidy quite soon.

And unless there is data somewhere sufficient to assure me otherwise, I would tend to agree that someone with a low rating would have more difficulty getting the same care as someone with an excellent rating. Maybe not officially, but under the table, so to speak. Like a hospital or might be less likely to run expensive tests or might downplay your illness in the hope of discouraging you from seeking further treatment?

Eh, I'm just speculating. But I've already experienced a noticeable deterioration in my credit status just by having to go on disability, even though I have pretty much no debt except my mortgage. Guess I'm kinda paranoid that those who are chronically ill might face even more hardship than they already do.

Hope I'm wrong.

fanfaire

[daniella]

I don't know but in MI I had to pay the co pay upfront for my mri that is how they are starting to do it. No bill in the mail its pay upfront if you have any co pays which I do.If not you don't get the test I guess even if ordered I am assuming. I agree why would they do this if it wouldn't hurt our access to care.

[cyclelops]

Fanfaire,

There are three credit bureaus, FICO, Experian and Transunion. Together these three come up with a number, each have their own system, and those 3 numbers make up your credit rating.

Keeping a good credit rating these days involves more than having no debts...it involves having debts and paying on time. The current system encourages people to open credit lines, but NOT run them up to the limit.

If you are late on one payment, your three scores and dive.

If you seek credit more often than they like, your scores can dive.

If you have potential creditors check your credit scores too often they can dive.

If you have no debt, your score can be low, even if you are very fiscally responsible.

Your MED FICO score is going to be somehow related to your regular FICO score and it was reported on CNN that hospitals have already purchased the services.

They said it will not be available upon admission....BULL!

Of course it will affect care....this is just another reason we need universal coverage. Why should a credit score affect people who may have a late payment or no debts and who have health insurance!

This is a ludicrous idea, that again springs from the current economic climate in this country.

This is going to nail the middle class quite badly in the long run.

You can't get away from this credit score idea.....

I think it is best to pay in cash or not buy, except for house car etc....I mean some things you can't charge. Probably because I am sick, and don't have a lot of resources to draw on, things I used to think I NEEDED, I don't even WANT anymore....so much for need versus want....so I spend a lot less these days.

I can't believe they WANT the public to have debt to have a good score...

This isn't about borrowing....this is about getting health care!!!

[shiney sue]

I have a excellent credit rating own only taxes and utilities. What do
I think it stinks. One illness could wipe a family out,it stinks. Sue