medical bills .....

njdalex10

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2009.  I've been through chemo, surgeries, and radiation.  I have a DR appt in a month to determine if I will need any further treatments.  Now I am facing medical bills and trying to work out payment options with Dr's and hospital.  I was just starting a new job when I found out I had cancer and had to let that go as I could not take approved time off so soon after starting ... my husband works and with month to month bills all we can do is try to negotiate payments for medical bills and then we are left with nothing ... I am looking for a job  ....

I am looking for an advocate or a program that can help with this ... maybe someone that can help us negotiate these bills so they do not go to attorney's offices or into collections. 

This is almost as much stress as going through the cancer itself .............

Joyce

bcincolorado

Hi Joyce,

First off, I want to say how very sorry I am you are having to deal with all of this when you are trying hard to get well again.

We have had to deal with a lot of medical issues already in our lives and my DH is only 50 and I'm just 49.  One thing I learned early on, is that if you do not have insurance, the hospital will help you with payment plans.  Ours here actually agreed to reduce the amount we owed by 1/2 if we could pay if off in a certain time frame, which we were able to do so, thankfully.  So please ask the billing office for assistance and don't be afraid.  When my DH was toally uninsured before his Medicare disabilty was available to him, his primary doctor even waived his fee for several office visits for him.  It is embarrassing to ask sometimes for help, but when you need it, don't be afraid to ask.

Also, I also recommend you check with your hospital and see if you can set up an appointment with the social worker there.  They can tell you about local resources to assist you with payments as well.  They'll know about anything out there that can assist you since every location is a little different and services available.

I wish you all the best and peace in this stressful time.

njdalex10

We do have insurance ... but only pays a percentage.  With co-pays and our share of the bills it added up fast!  I am trying to get rehired with the company that I was just starting with when I found out I had cancer but that may take a month or two ... til then we struggling to keep up ...

thanks for the advice tho ... I really appreciate it!

LiniWD

I know here in Florida, there are several Foundations that will help you pay basic bills (mortgage, insurance, utilities) while you are going through treatment and getting hit with medical bills.  They do not ask for the money back later.  You might want to Google if there iare groups like that in Utah as well.

The url for the one I give to in Florida is www.gulfcoastoncologyfoundation.com - just so you can get an idea of what they do. 

Lynn from Tampa 

3chiles

I think the Dr's and hospitals should have signs that say  "If our treatments don't kill you our bills will." 

I was diagnosed in Sept. 09, finished all treatments in April 10, and am now DROWNING in medical bills.  I also have 3 small children (7,5,1) so going out to get a full time job isn't realistic.

Maya2

The following may be of help to you.

Patient Advocate Foundation.  www.patientadvocate.org

800-532-5274. Help with insurers, employers and creditors