The money situation gets worse :(

[milwaukeemommy]

Wow, I am such a sporadic poster! I'm sorry - I try to keep up but darn every day life gets in the way of my computer time TOO OFTEN!

I had posted a few weeks ago -- lamenting that we will probably never save enough to go to Disney again. Car problems, medical issues, etc -- all keeping us from saving.

I can't remember where I left off -- but here is my latest:

My husband just had his esophagus removed. Long story - that is the medical issue & this was the end result of that issue. He's been in the ICU since Tuesday. We are being bombarded with med bills for the pre procedure stuff -- 2 endoscopies, upper gi, ct scan, etc. Yes we do have insurance but it only covers so much. Right now our med bills are over $2000 (remember we have to pay all the different facilities & all the different drs) & that was before he even had the surgery.

Right before he had his surgery, his car died. Alternator. Even installing it himself, it was over $200 for that alternator. He was scheduled to have a root canal, only to find they couldn't save the tooth & pulled it.

And here's the kicker -- the surgeon, who has had my husband's disability paper work for a MONTH now, still hasn't signed the papers!!! We don't get any disability payment until those papers are signed, faxed & processed. We have been begging him to sign (apparently they don't allow stamped signatures) & he keeps saying he hasn't had time to go to his office to do it.

We were in debt before -- & working so hard to get out -- & now I feel like we have no hope. Not only are we not able to pay off our original debt -- but now look how much more we have!!

I'm so frustrated -- I've been going through my house trying to figure out what I can sell. I see lots of people sell on Ebay -which I did for years & back then it was great, now not so much. The fees are ridiculous. I used to sell my handmade cards & actually did quite well. But I haven't had time to keep up that hobby & have recently decided to sell all my stamping stuff. Hopefully that will bring in a little bit, but even with ALL my stuff it's not going to cover our bills.

And yes, I do work. There's just never enough money. I feel like we are going to end up having to file for bankruptcy -- certainly something I don't want to do!!

That is all -- thanks for listening -- love this board

 

[usnuzuloose]

I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[tenaseewalker]

I'm sorry your going through such hard times... I sure hope things start to look up for you..Just remember Disney will always be there when things get better..

 

[tinkmom2]

I am very depressed about our situation too. My hubby had a colonoscopy back in January when we didn't yet meet our deductible. That was about $2500 with all polyps he had removed. He's diabetic, we used up all our flex pay by July.

My youngest DD has been sick for over a year and had her gall bladder removed in July. More medical bills. Then in August Walgreens cut all it's assistant managers pay back to $14.50. That was a $6.00 pay cut for us. Unfortunatly all of our bills are still there.

My oldest daughter has been bullied since the 4th grade and I recently found out she's been suicidal. Thankfully therapy is covered since we've maxed out our family deductible. Whoever doesn't think our medical system doesn't need an over hall needs to have a sick loved one and be in dire straits.

The only lights at the end of the tunnel. I am in school, hopefully graduating in Spring. I've applied for work anywhere and everywhere. I have a part time job but it's only 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. I am praying I can pick up another part time job this month.

All I can do is look back at our Disney pics and remember when times were good and pray that we can dig ourselves out of this hole too. I know it's so easy to feel defeated. All you can do is do the best with what you have. It's not the material things in life that matter anyway. Just know you aren't alone. I am praying for you too.

 

[mrsklamc]

Have you ever listened to Dave Ramsey's radio show? When we were in debt I found it very encouraging, because people will call in that have been in huge debt and overcome it.

It makes me ill that Walgreens did that. I used to work at Walgreens and that is NOT enough per hour for what assistants are expected to do. Here they stopped accepting a major insurance plan and business when down drastically, had to switch back after nine months. Well, duh, what did they expect to happen? And that was after doing major and I'm sure expensive renovations.

 

[beavismom]

I would tell the Dr. that if he couldn't find the time to sign the papers that you will not have any money to pay him. Maybe that will motivate him. Seriously though, he may not realize that it is causing your family serious financial harm.

While I don't think that just everyone should file bankruptcy, it might end up being your best option. It might be worth it for you to speak with a financial advisor who can can look at your situation.

One way or the other, I hope that your husband recovers quickly and that things will improve for you.

 

[mrsklamc]

Oh and OP- etsy might be a better marketplace for your stamps and any cards you have left than ebay, and no fees until you sell!

If you're really desperate (and it sounds like you are,) you might try settling the debt. If you owe $2,000, scrounge up $1500, call them up and say "I'm in a desperate situation, my husband is on disability but the surgeon hasn't signed the papers yet so we aren't getting any money.I have this much cash, would you be able to accept that amount as payment in full?" If they take it, be sure to put 'payment in full' on the memo line of the check.

Oh and be sure to inform the surgeon's office that they are on the bottom of your 'to be paid' list until he gets that form signed.

 

[disfan07]

I completely understand.

I have been sick for 9 years. Over those 9 years we have spent over $100,000 in OOP expenses.

This year alone I have been in the hospital for 20 days in patient. I have had a gastric emptying study, an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy, allergy testing (twice), 2 1/2 months of allergy shots, 6 ER visits, probably around 50+ doctors appts, multiple Radiological imaging, etc. I have an endoscopic ultrasound coming up in 2 weeks, and more testing/surgery afterwards.

I am also in therapy usually twice a month for 3 hours total at $175/hour. And it's considered out of network for us so we only get reimbursed 60% AFTER we meet our separate deductible for out of network.

I completely agree with the PP who said that anyone who thinks the system doesn't need an overhaul has never really had to use it that often.

But back to finances....we are hurting. My dad makes a fairly nice salary but we live in a high cost of living area (not by choice.....it was the cheapest option in relation to my dads job) and we set aside $25,000 every year for medical bills and it basically gets used up every year. So after all of that, there's not much left.

We are on a payment plan with the hospital right now (paying $2600 over the next 10 months....which will go up because we have more bills to be added)

We just can't catch up.

We did get lucky though. I received a $35,000 unclaimed property check in my name last week. I gave my parents some of it to pay off the medical bills and used some to pay for a Disney trip this December. But the rest is going away for an emergency. Right now, my parents refuse to take anymore of it from me. It's technically my money but it will be available for my parents in case of an emergency.

There comes a point where there is ony so much you can do and medical bills are by far one of the most devastating things in this country. It is one of the primary causes of bankruptcy and I can see why.

Until I am healthy (which is probably not going to be anytime soon) its not going to end for us so I'm not very optimistic about our situation. We just try to go day by day. But right now, I'm just happy to wake up every morning.

 

[Leajess99]

Wow, I am such a sporadic poster! I'm sorry - I try to keep up but darn every day life gets in the way of my computer time TOO OFTEN!

I had posted a few weeks ago -- lamenting that we will probably never save enough to go to Disney again. Car problems, medical issues, etc -- all keeping us from saving.

I can't remember where I left off -- but here is my latest:

My husband just had his esophagus removed. Long story - that is the medical issue & this was the end result of that issue. He's been in the ICU since Tuesday. We are being bombarded with med bills for the pre procedure stuff -- 2 endoscopies, upper gi, ct scan, etc. Yes we do have insurance but it only covers so much. Right now our med bills are over $2000 (remember we have to pay all the different facilities & all the different drs) & that was before he even had the surgery.

Right before he had his surgery, his car died. Alternator. Even installing it himself, it was over $200 for that alternator. He was scheduled to have a root canal, only to find they couldn't save the tooth & pulled it.

And here's the kicker -- the surgeon, who has had my husband's disability paper work for a MONTH now, still hasn't signed the papers!!! We don't get any disability payment until those papers are signed, faxed & processed. We have been begging him to sign (apparently they don't allow stamped signatures) & he keeps saying he hasn't had time to go to his office to do it.

We were in debt before -- & working so hard to get out -- & now I feel like we have no hope. Not only are we not able to pay off our original debt -- but now look how much more we have!!

I'm so frustrated -- I've been going through my house trying to figure out what I can sell. I see lots of people sell on Ebay -which I did for years & back then it was great, now not so much. The fees are ridiculous. I used to sell my handmade cards & actually did quite well. But I haven't had time to keep up that hobby & have recently decided to sell all my stamping stuff. Hopefully that will bring in a little bit, but even with ALL my stuff it's not going to cover our bills.

And yes, I do work. There's just never enough money. I feel like we are going to end up having to file for bankruptcy -- certainly something I don't want to do!!

That is all -- thanks for listening -- love this board

I am sorry for all you and your husband are going through. Have you tried filing for medicaid help for him?? Even with insurance some people qualify for it to be their secondary and since he is essentially disabled he may qualify. I would seriously go ask for help and not feel bad in doing so.

 

[OhMari]

I think the first thing you have to do, is get the Disability done for your dh. I think with his esophasgus gone, this has to be a qualificaiton for disability. My co-worker has COPD and she had her disability within a month of applying.


Don't be ashamed of filing for medical bankruptcy. I don't think anyone can pay those astronimacal bills. I always heard if you live pay check to pay check and if there is a medical crisis, it can basically wipe you out financially. Why do you think there are so many benefits for people that get sick, cancer etc.

Good luck to you. Disney will always be there, but first your dh has to get healthy and your family comes first, not Disney.

 

[dja14]

I know people are not fond of bankruptcy but you are the very people it should be used for. Both were working, one became disabled and the other had a pretty big pay cut. You may have items (multiple cars, boats, campers, second homes, etc) you can sell but if you are bankrupt you are bankrupt and in a situation like yours I would consider it.

But I think the first thing I would do is start calling that dr every single day, twice a day maybe until he signs those papers. I would tell him flat out your family is being impoverished by him not making time to stop by his office for 5 minutes. In a month he couldn't go by for 5 minutes? Bull, he just has not been bothered, so I would pester him and his staff til he did. Can you get a second copy and greet him with the papers to sign?

I wish the best for you. I understand the medical bills, we have had kids in treatments for the past 4 years. I didn't think we would ever be able to go back either. We might be able to next year, or at least go somewhere. I feel like we have come through and I hope you will soon have that feeling too.

 

[sookie]

Almost all hospitals have charity programs or access to charity programs. Apply for them - they are for people who aren't eligible for medicaid or state programs, who are insured but have a gap or who don't have insurance. So - they are for exactly your situation.

 

[my3princes]

Wow, I am such a sporadic poster! I'm sorry - I try to keep up but darn every day life gets in the way of my computer time TOO OFTEN!

I had posted a few weeks ago -- lamenting that we will probably never save enough to go to Disney again. Car problems, medical issues, etc -- all keeping us from saving.

I can't remember where I left off -- but here is my latest:

My husband just had his esophagus removed. Long story - that is the medical issue & this was the end result of that issue. He's been in the ICU since Tuesday. We are being bombarded with med bills for the pre procedure stuff -- 2 endoscopies, upper gi, ct scan, etc. Yes we do have insurance but it only covers so much. Right now our med bills are over $2000 (remember we have to pay all the different facilities & all the different drs) & that was before he even had the surgery.

Right before he had his surgery, his car died. Alternator. Even installing it himself, it was over $200 for that alternator. He was scheduled to have a root canal, only to find they couldn't save the tooth & pulled it.

And here's the kicker -- the surgeon, who has had my husband's disability paper work for a MONTH now, still hasn't signed the papers!!! We don't get any disability payment until those papers are signed, faxed & processed. We have been begging him to sign (apparently they don't allow stamped signatures) & he keeps saying he hasn't had time to go to his office to do it.

We were in debt before -- & working so hard to get out -- & now I feel like we have no hope. Not only are we not able to pay off our original debt -- but now look how much more we have!!

I'm so frustrated -- I've been going through my house trying to figure out what I can sell. I see lots of people sell on Ebay -which I did for years & back then it was great, now not so much. The fees are ridiculous. I used to sell my handmade cards & actually did quite well. But I haven't had time to keep up that hobby & have recently decided to sell all my stamping stuff. Hopefully that will bring in a little bit, but even with ALL my stuff it's not going to cover our bills.

And yes, I do work. There's just never enough money. I feel like we are going to end up having to file for bankruptcy -- certainly something I don't want to do!!

That is all -- thanks for listening -- love this board

I've worked in medical centers for decades and in my experience they all have applications for financial assistance. You should contact each facility and find out exactly what is required, then fill out the paperwork. If they can't totally write off the balance they may be able to reduce it or give you an extended budget plan. Since the services were medically necessary they will have more room to help. Philanthropists also offer assistance to those with medical needs. Don't give up, just do some homework on what might be available to you. It never hurts to ask especially in this economy

 

[honeydiane1953]

With your husbands feeding tube gone he def will get Medicare possibly Medicaid. Taking he bull by the horns will be tedious but has to be done. No flames plz but right now trips to Disney aren't even on the radar. It will be there and u will see the light of day.

 

[milwaukeemommy]

Thank you all for your support -- kind words -- & similar stories (after all misery loves company). I do have Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book -- & we were doing quite well -- but I tell ya, when it hits all at once it's hard to recuperate. I'd love a $35,000 check in the mail Seriously though, I'm sorry to hear about some of your situations too -- health issues -- pay cuts -- lost jobs -- UGH!!

I wanted to have a drink tonight to drown my sorrows - but I couldn't afford it!

Michelle

 

[milwaukeemommy]

Oh yeah, the surgeon's a piece of work. I shouldn't complain, because my husband survived the surgery & it was kind of a major one -- although he did damage his vocal cord -- but when I told the nurse on Friday about him not signing the paper work, she had him paged. When she asked him why he hasn't signed it, he said "You're seriously asking me about this at 4:00 on a Friday?" Um first -- he's had the paper work A MONTH, not like we JUST asked him to sign it yesterday. And second -- we're not all rich doctors. Some of us DO struggle.

Sigh.

Michelle

 

[M2B]

Oh yeah, the surgeon's a piece of work. I shouldn't complain, because my husband survived the surgery & it was kind of a major one -- although he did damage his vocal cord -- but when I told the nurse on Friday about him not signing the paper work, she had him paged. When she asked him why he hasn't signed it, he said "You're seriously asking me about this at 4:00 on a Friday?" Um first -- he's had the paper work A MONTH, not like we JUST asked him to sign it yesterday. And second -- we're not all rich doctors. Some of us DO struggle.

Sigh.

Michelle

Were you there? My response would have been "do you seriously expect us to pay you?"

What a jerk. Sorry you're going through all of this.

 

[bumbershoot]

Remember that once the hospital bills come in, they usually just want you to pay *something*, and pay it regularly. If it comes down to $5/month, as long as you ALWAYS pay that, most of them will be OK with that.

And yes, hospitals have charity funds, and be sure you apply for those if you need it.

 

[disfan07]

Remember that once the hospital bills come in, they usually just want you to pay *something*, and pay it regularly. If it comes down to $5/month, as long as you ALWAYS pay that, most of them will be OK with that.

And yes, hospitals have charity funds, and be sure you apply for those if you need it.

Be careful with charity funds. Depending on the hospital there still might be an income limit (but it sounds like if your husband is on disability, you guys might qualify).

We applied because we use the same hospital for everything and they have records of just how much we have paid since we started going there over 3 years ago and my dads income disqualifies us. I will qualify next year because I will no longer be a dependent, but since I am still claimed as a dependent, we did not qualify. Even though we are living paycheck to paycheck and can't fully pay the medical bills, we still don't qualify. We fall into that very very unfortunate middle ground where we make too much for any assistance but too little to actually be able to afford the care necessary.

Oh....and hospital payment plans are interest free. Make sure you contact financial assistance and/or billing at the hospital and doctors offices. Also, keep a close eye on all EOBs and bills. We have been mischarged for things many times.

 

[milwaukeemommy]

I was there when the nurse was talking to him on the phone - but she didn't tell me he said that until she'd hung up with him.

I did make arrangements already with the hospital for payments - that was when the first bills came in -- & they said they can only let us pay for 24 months. That's new to me, we've done this before & there wasn't a time limit. So -- if our bills total $5000, too bad -- we have to pay $200 a month.

Going to see him today -- hopefully he'll at least get out of the ICU soon!

Thanks again for your support! Disney peeps are the best