I think i should clarify better. I renewed 2018 and was issued the B1b2 visa however i was advised to get a medical visa in the future if i intend to birth in the US again. So thats settled. The worry as i stated earlier is of i go for a new interview which will obviously cancel my current b1b2...the issues of birthing under 4k will still arise and thats my fear... no problem i will research on d hospitals and seek d ones that are not discounted
Thanks for your response

OmoBendel24:


She was instructed to seek a medical visa if for any reason she wants to birth in the US. That’s a settled matter as far as I’m concerned. It will be disastrous for her not to go back there via an interview to get a new visa for birthing purposes despite having a valid visa.

If she goes for the interview, her previously resolved 4k birthing bill might resurface, but I strongly believe she has passed that level she has passed it, but I’m still worried somehow....

Lol.. thank you.. i am just gonna apply for d medical visa and take the huge risk.

OmoBendel24:


Really don’t know what to advise now, but will get back to you. Some conundrum this is!

A tad complicated right..Lol.. thank you.. i am just gonna apply for d medical visa and take the huge risk.

OmoBendel24:


Really don’t know what to advise now, but will get back to you. Some conundrum this is!

Upto it if you mean in terms of funds definately isnt a problem... if i had to pay 12k at first time i would have but the bill i actually got was 4k. All i gotta do now is research hospitals in Chicago and get their bills, make enquiry and package the application for the interview and move on... not an issue at all...
My main point of enquiry if you followed my story was on either to go for the new visa or not...

OmoBendel24:


@the bolded; sound, it works in my calculation. But will she be up to this both in interview preparation and actual birthing? This thing no be moi-moi like that oh @Jayfierce.

This is a thread I visit whenever I come to this section. The last few visits, I noticed the discount issue so I decided to check Google. There were several links/articles from credible sources that anyone would find with a simple check.

First, I deduced that the whole idea of "uninsured discount" is targeted at US residents that for whatever reason, have no insurance in the US so they get a discount. Unfortunately, it appears Nigerians are not informed of this, just told they are eligible because they are paying cash. With that said, there are 50 states with I imagine, thousands of hospitals so it's not surprising if wittingly or unwittingly, that discount is offered to foreigners.

As for the government going after the hospitals, that is unlikely to ever happen. Which government in its right mind wants to wage war with centres of excellence providing care to the sick? The outcry from taxpayers against the government would be vicious. Whose money would the hospitals use to fight the government in court? All because of foreigners? It is a lot easier to attack the issue from source via visa restrictions. Harsh, unfair but true!

The businessinsider article link below is pretty good and gives a breakdown of cost for vaginal and CS as well as with or without insurance. For a foreigner, the reasonable price should be without insurance unless you have insurance coverage in the US (expatriates, diplomats, etc). I found other articles but this link is from July 2018 so consider it fairly recent. There are other links that talk about negotiated prices that insurance companies pay for the insured. Feel free to google, just make sure your sources are credible.

Please note that my post is not for the purpose of argument, I neither have the time nor the inclination. My interest is simply academic for enlightenment and to understand the drama surrounding this issue.

If I were to offer advice to anyone who does not already have prior birth drama, it would be to find a state and hospital you can afford, tell them you do not want the uninsured discount, you just want to pay the international patient rate. The information in the article below is a guide, may be higher, may be lower, do not forget these are the median figures, not even average.

P.S. From what I have seen, even on TV, Asian patients mainly from China and Hong Kong (not talking of Indians, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, etc), are typically well to do individuals speaking little or no English and they pay significantly more. There are businesses that house, feed and transport them while they are in the US. These businesses do everything for them including translation services. It is a total package costing tens of thousands of dollars per birth and the package includes high medical fees. That typical Asian person is not out there negotiating birth prices, arranging birth certificate and US passport, etc. No doubt, we have Asians that DIY the Nigerian way and may pay the uninsured rate but I think they would be in the minority.

www.businessinsider.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-have-a-baby-2018-4

aamey15:
Upto it if you mean in terms of funds definately isnt a problem... if i had to pay 12k at first time i would have but the bill i actually got was 4k. All i gotta do now is research hospitals in Chicago and get their bills, make enquiry and package the application for the interview and move on... not an issue at all...
My main point of enquiry if you followed my story was on either to go for the new visa or not...

I understand your main point perfectly, and I have weighed in on the side of you going back in for an interview rather than taking any risk, that’s the exact reason I said Jayfierce’s idea for you works if you are up and equal to it.

In essence, as you attend your interview, your preparation should be such that no one will raise an eyebrow concerning your birthing plans generally, bring no new baggage to the interview (the previous interview and your being able to respectfully bring your self in for an interview should count for something to reduce if not clear out completely the burdens of that $4K matter methinks - if at all it is still going to be there at all, even though one cannot actually predict the VOs sha).

Now that you have said you are, give it a shot, wish you all the very best there’s on this!

MMotimo:


First, I deduced that the whole idea of "uninsured discount" is targeted at US residents that for whatever reason, have no insurance in the US so they get a discount. Unfortunately, it appears Nigerians are not informed of this, just told they are eligible because they are paying cash. With that said, there are 50 states with I imagine, thousands of hospitals so it’s not surprising if wittingly or unwittingly, that discount is offered to foreigners

Can you please provide one source where it states that non-insured prices are limited to US residents, that non-insured prices are govt subsidized, or that they are not available to international patients?

I’ll be waiting patiently. Thank you.

MMotimo:

If I were to offer advice to anyone who does not already have prior birth drama, it would be to find a state and hospital you can afford, tell them you do not want the uninsured discount, you just want to pay the international patient rate.

FYI. The uninsured discount and the international patient rate you talk about... both are the same price. A letter from a hospital has been posted here explaining exactly that. www.doctoresparati.com offers the same.

MMotimo:
This is a thread I visit whenever I come to this section. The last few visits, I noticed the discount issue so I decided to check Google. There were several links/articles from credible sources that anyone would find with a simple check.

First, I deduced that the whole idea of "uninsured discount" is targeted at US residents that for whatever reason, have no insurance in the US so they get a discount. Unfortunately, it appears Nigerians are not informed of this, just told they are eligible because they are paying cash. With that said, there are 50 states with I imagine, thousands of hospitals so it's not surprising if wittingly or unwittingly, that discount is offered to foreigners.

As for the government going after the hospitals, that is unlikely to ever happen. Which government in its right mind wants to wage war with centres of excellence providing care to the sick? The outcry from taxpayers against the government would be vicious. Whose money would the hospitals use to fight the government in court? All because of foreigners? It is a lot easier to attack the issue from source via visa restrictions. Harsh, unfair but true!

The businessinsider article link below is pretty good and gives a breakdown of cost for vaginal and CS as well as with or without insurance. For a foreigner, the reasonable price should be without insurance unless you have insurance coverage in the US (expatriates, diplomats, etc). I found other articles but this link is from July 2018 so consider it fairly recent. There are other links that talk about negotiated prices that insurance companies pay for the insured. Feel free to google, just make sure your sources are credible.

Please note that my post is not for the purpose of argument, I neither have the time nor the inclination. My interest is simply academic for enlightenment and to understand the drama surrounding this issue.

If I were to offer advice to anyone who does not already have prior birth drama, it would be to find a state and hospital you can afford, tell them you do not want the uninsured discount, you just want to pay the international patient rate. The information in the article below is a guide, may be higher, may be lower, do not forget these are the median figures, not even average.

P.S. From what I have seen, even on TV, Asian patients mainly from China and Hong Kong (not talking of Indians, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, etc), are typically well to do individuals speaking little or no English and they pay significantly more. There are businesses that house, feed and transport them while they are in the US. These businesses do everything for them including translation services. It is a total package costing tens of thousands of dollars per birth and the package includes high medical fees. That typical Asian person is not out there negotiating birth prices, arranging birth certificate and US passport, etc. No doubt, we have Asians that DIY the Nigerian way and may pay the uninsured rate but I think they would be in the minority.

www.businessinsider.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-have-a-baby-2018-4

If this UNINSURED DISCOUNT twist was actually a US RESIDENTS thing, virtually all of our mamas would not be in possession of a US visa for birthing purposes, a few testimonies are still here and there that throws in even more confusion yet.

And why “attack the issue from source” without anyone being able to say for certainty what is happening or exact reasons adduced for their visa application for birthing refusal, and that you are actually fixing from source? The info can’t be made bare, it just can’t be out in the open?

International Patient Rates versus UNINSURED DISCOUNT since when? The line of delineation is pretty slim if not almost non-existent, a very large percentage of the same US Hospitals will still tell you that the package they have covers both locals and international patients, no different rates, what then? If the embassy itself will make what the issues are clearer, I trust our people will adjust no doubts.

My view on this discount matter.

A visa is the U.S' right to give and they can actually discriminate against whoever they choose (like it or not). The visa lottery, for example, is no longer open to Nigerians and that's that. People who feel strongly about it can lobby via their representatives in Congress but for now it's closed to some countries, Nigeria included.

On the discount matter, I'm not sure there is a final conclusion that all will agree on. From my experience and what I have read, I can definitely say that healthcare in the U.S. is generally expensive and opaque and it seems to be designed that way on purpose, for some reason. Even for US residents and citizens...healthcare costs is the number 1 cause of bankruptcy. I obviously cannot say why the same VOs who approved 3k bills 2 years ago, now have a problem with it....maybe covert change in immigration policy perhaps....again every country has a right to do this.

I used a hospital and paid in advance and got a zero balance. But guess what.....my itemized bill from all the service providers although coordinated centrally by the international patients office still shows a discount. This is bizarre given that I was given a price upfront e.g. x..... now itemized bill has y minus discount which now equals x!!!

I'm due for a renewal in May. I decided to opt for an nterview. We'll see how it goes. I pray I get it...but if I don't...life goes on abi?!

If our objective is a better life for ourselves and our kids I would suggest we leave the discount argument and (prayerfully) face Canada Express Entry. Lots of info on NL about this.

On dishonesty being a Nigerian trait....obviously it isn't.... but it sure thrives here ....because corruption has no punishment and consequences compared to some other non-African countries.

All the best mums...have a look at Canada EE....it's not immediate but if successful covers your nuclear family.

aamey15:

XXXXXXXXX

thank you.. i am just gonna apply for d medical visa and take the huge risk.

Well done ma'am....I would do the same i.e.reapply

I pray for good success for you...I believe your forthrightness will be a plus.

Please oh, those people posting link to high bill for Texas should desist biko. I don't agree for places like El Paso. That place na Mexico in reality. Thank you.

Mamaroon:
My view on this discount matter.

A visa is the U.S' right to give and they can actually discriminate against whoever they choose (like it or not). The visa lottery, for example, is no longer open to Nigerians and that's that. People who feel strongly about it can lobby via their representatives in Congress but for now it's closed to some countries, Nigeria included.

On the discount matter, I'm not sure there is a final conclusion that all will agree on. From my experience and what I have read, I can definitely say that healthcare in the U.S. is generally expensive and opaque and it seems to be designed that way on purpose, for some reason. Even for US residents and citizens...healthcare costs is the number 1 cause of bankruptcy. I obviously cannot say why the same VOs who approved 3k bills 2 years ago, now have a problem with it....maybe covert change in immigration policy perhaps....again every country has a right to do this

I used a hospital (not in Texas) and specifically chose it because I had family nearby and they had a dedicated international patients office. My bill was high...high enough to make a VO smile . I was approved a visa (already had one at the time but reapplied and was interviewed and given....see @mamaron for more gist.....I'm efiko like that). I paid in advance and got a zero balance. But guess what.....my itemized bill from all the service providers although coordinated centrally by the international patients office still shows a discount. This is bizarre given that I was given a price upfront e.g. x..... now itemized bill has y minus discount which now equals x!!!

I'm due for a renewal in May. I decided to opt out of drop box....interview again...no wahala....no need for the high BP. We'll see how it goes. I pray I get it...but if I don't...life goes on abi?!

If our objective is a better life for ourselves and our kids I would suggest we leave the discount argument and (prayerfully) face Canada Express Entry. Lots of info on NL about this.

On dishonesty being a Nigerian trait....obviously it isn't.... but it sure thrives here ....because corruption has no punishment and consequences compar3s to some other non-African countries.

All the best mums...have a look at Canada EE....it's not immediate but if successful covers your nuclear family.

You have a great outlook on life . America is not by force . Like you said if America not feasible , then try somewhere else . American citizenship is not a gurrantated chance to success . I have seen so many immigrants legal and illegal do so much better than native born Americans.

Sorry but I haven't seen nor heard from the "No Amount is Too Much for top notch medical care" people.

I've read their replies to critics on birthing or receiving medical treatment in the US. However I've not seen them come out to defend this no-discount movement by the Embassy.

I've been expecting to see people come out to say that they are ready to pay $20,000 for good quality medical care plus citizenship.

adupif:
Hello beautiful people, so my mum went for her visa interview to accompany me for birth. She was given the white paper but asked that she provides additional documents pertaining to the budget and cost of medical treatment. Please what document must i add to ensure she's given. Are there people who have gone thru such and yet denied. Thanks

Hello everyone..please dont jump and pass...abeg answer me oh!

NIFES:


Oh, nice.

Just got a date...First week in May

BOmum:


Just got a date...First week in May

Hi dear. I was just rushing here to come inform you too.
I just tried now and got first week in May as well.
Thanks for the feedback.

.

MsJanez01:


Hmmm. So have u gotten a date now? Its becoming really frustrating. Cant believe this stuff has been lingering since January. Am thinking of applying afresh but scared it mit be same story cause fresh applicanta aren't getting this issh

Hello mama, you should try it now.

NIFES:


Hello mama, you should try it now.

I just tried mine...blank as hell...I tire for this tingy

didismyname:



I just tried mine...blank as hell...I tire for this tingy

Oh, sorry.
Just keep trying and target weekend/sunday like this.

[quote author=adupif post=76945663]


Hello everyone..please dont jump and pass...abeg answer me oh![/quote

What they said is simple, provide your budget and cost given to you by your hospital.

[quote author=Blackfinegirl post=76953374][/quote]

I think its to send in your budget sheet and the correspondences you got from doc and hospital.Same one you used in getting your Visa.If youre sponsoring then you may want to include your bank statement i guess

Mamaroon:


If our objective is a better life for ourselves and our kids I would suggest we leave the discount argument and (prayerfully) face Canada Express Entry. Lots of info on NL about this.

Yes oooo

Semisolasola:
Jesus,what kind of spiteful statement is this Nigerians are fraudulent ,dishonest” where did you draw the statistics from? Why generalize ?isnt dishonesty a general human nature? I am most disappointed at this.i live in Malaysia and they are also very dishonest..humans generally ..Omo?Nigerians don suffer for una hand sha..I blame Buhari..you people should leave this their USA and move to Caribbean’s or South America..they are waiting for us oooo...as our Nigeria no gree develop.we will get there one day one day..
God bless Nigeria ooooo
Justwise you can do better than this or coin your words properly..the internet never forgets..what in the generalization.i am taken aback

You dey mind am. Generalisation with no statistics.

Fyorgyn:


Yes oooo

Congrats again sis!!!

Vlesparza:



FYI. The uninsured discount and the international patient rate you talk about... both are the same price. A letter from a hospital has been posted here explaining exactly that. www.doctoresparati.com offers the same.

What you offer is an international patient fee schedule, it is not the same as an uninsured discount
Your targeted clientele are international patients and it states that on your website.
Every single testimonial on your website as of 9pm ET March 24th is from international patients
You have an advertised fee schedule for this group
You do not have an advertised policy for uninsured US residents that can be reviewed and confirmed to be the exact same as that employed for international patients
I would hazard a guess that internationals make up the bulk of your business
You may or may not offer the same prices to domestic uninsured and even if you do, we know the latter have access to financial aid that international patients are not eligible for
So, you see, you are not comparing apples to apples

Your business model already makes it clear you are not like most other hospitals in the country so you really should be careful to not confuse my countrymen in this matter of uninsured discounts. Hospitals like the Mayo Clinic, Mercy Miami, to mention a few, have clearly advertised uninsured discount policies that exclude international patients.

Your business model is obviously working for you but you can't speak for other hospitals who have clear policies that are different for the uninsured and for international patients. If I were you, I would just focus my message on being an hospital that is specialized in serving international patients with a fee schedule that has nothing to do with uninsured discounts. There really is no point getting into the uninsured discount debate, your business model is vastly different from those who offer uninsured discounts and simply can't be bothered to sift through who is domestic or not when the term "self-pay" fits all.

MMotimo:



What you offer is an international patient fee schedule, it is not the same as an uninsured discount
Your targeted clientele are international patients and it states that on your website.
Every single testimonial on your website as of 9pm ET March 24th is from international patients
You have an advertised fee schedule for this group
You do not have an advertised policy for uninsured US residents that can be reviewed and confirmed to be the exact same as that employed for international patients
I would hazard a guess that internationals make up the bulk of your business
You may or may not offer the same prices to domestic uninsured and even if you do, we know the latter have access to financial aid that international patients are not eligible for
So, you see, you are not comparing apples to apples

Your business model already makes it clear you are not like most other hospitals in the country so you really should be careful to not confuse my countrymen in this matter of uninsured discounts. Hospitals like the Mayo Clinic, Mercy Miami, to mention a few, have clearly advertised uninsured discount policies that exclude international patients.

Your business model is obviously working for you but you can't speak for other hospitals who have clear policies that are different for the uninsured and for international patients. If I were you, I would just focus my message on being an hospital that is specialized in serving international patients with a fee schedule that has nothing to do with uninsured discounts. There really is no point getting into the uninsured discount debate, your business model is vastly different from those who offer uninsured discounts and simply can't be bothered to sift through who is domestic or not when the term "self-pay" fits all.

I hope you don't misunderstand, we see local uninsured patients and offer the same rate. Let me rephrase, the price offered to international patients is the price originally offered to the uninsured and is in fact how the price became about. It would be wrong to discriminate on this variable if all else is the same and if there is no reason to charge more. Letter explains specifically on this matter:

Fyorgyn:


Yes oooo

how true is it?that if u are processing Canada,USA will not issue u visa?

NIFES:


Hello mama, you should try it now.

Same jare. Tanks

BOmum:


Just got a date...First week in May

NIFES:


Hello mama, you should try it now.

Congrats. All d best in ur interview. We are still on d wait list

Hello Mamas
I have been sending mail to oa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng for VOA for my LO since last week but no response,my travel date is this Saturday, is there any oda way to go about this,kindly assist.