Bankruptcy???

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GmaFoley
GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
edited June 2014 in Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues

My DH has just anounced to me that we will be OUT of money on Christmas... My medical bills have gotten so large with the medical center that it has gotten too large to keep up with... We were denied for financial aid because we "make to much money".. I have an "Emergency/illness insurance" but they only pay out $1000 per year.  Our bills are larger than what we make but we make too much money.. I have to work 46 hours between 2 jobs and my DH has been ill for a few months but we still can't get financial aid..  What are my options... I don't mind paying my bills and we tried to negotiate for a lower payment with the Med Center, but they won't budge.  Any suggestions would be appreciated... At this point we will have to go bankrupt... 

Oh, I think you might want to know that we had to use up our IRA prematurely, to pay bills last year,  so we were penalized and owe 10k to the tax man, which is a monthly payment that if we don't pay they will garnish our paycheck.

I know we will get through this, but what a time of year to figure this out... 

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  • Moiralf
    Moiralf Member Posts: 1,056
    edited December 2012

    I have no advice I'm sorry. 

    It's terrible how being ill can cause so much distress. This is so hard on families and Christmas can make things even worse. It's a time when we are encouraged to show our love though buying things for each other. No-one wants to miss out on that but it is so very costly.

    It really needs someone who has more understanding of how things work in the US to advise you on any avenues of assistance. But I did want you to know that someone had heard you and hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

    Take one day at a time I suppose and one problem at a time. There must be some place where they can advise you what actions are available to you.

    All the very best on sorting out this tangle.

    Moira

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  • itsjustme10
    itsjustme10 Member Posts: 796
    edited December 2012

    See a lawyer, don't try to negotiate your own way out of this - there are consequences to any decision you and your husband make.  And, please make sure it's a reputable lawyer, not one of those bankruptcy farms.  Maybe call your local bar association, and ask if they have a list for you to choose from, and if there is any legal aid available to you.

    I'm sorry you're going through such tough times, but there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.  Just make sure to protect yourselves from unintended consequences.

    I'm guessing you don't have health insurance at your job.  Does your husband, and can he add you on to his policy?

    Also, call the social services department at your treating hospital.  Most states have a limited Medicaid benefit for women suffering from breast and cervical cancer..see if they can get you information, so at least you can have an additional place to look for coverage going forward.  The income llmits are different for that one specific plan.

    Good luck - I hope you can get this worked out.

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  • Chickadee
    Chickadee Member Posts: 4,467
    edited December 2012

    Maybe this service can help with advice:





    Consumer Credit Counseling of Douglas County, Oregon

    Free, confidential planning sessions addressing the following areas: Debt management, wise use of credit, kids and money, money management, credit and divorce, and other related topics.

    Phone: 541-673-3104 or 1-800-417-3104

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited December 2012

    Chickadee: we went to them earlier, before we both had jobs and they couldn't help us... Maybe now we can try again.

    Itjustme: I have a minimal insurance that pays $1000 a year for each of us.. I work the job at the fabric store to pay for this "label of no lapse of insurance" but really doesn't help much... Both our jobs are without health insurance... 

    Moiralf: We bought something little for the grandkids but other than that our tree is bare... Makes me sad, but we will deal.  

    Oh the medical center called me today and I mentioned that we might go bankrupt and they all of a sudden can work with us... I don't believe it for a minute, but I bet they will start denying me for my lymphedema treatments :-/

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  • chatter99
    chatter99 Member Posts: 49
    edited December 2012

    GmaFoley,



    I'm sorry to hear of your financial woe. I'm in Canada so no advice on what to do. I hope the medical centre will change their approach and help you through this. All the best over Xmas. Wishing you good surprises!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2012

    GmaFoley, we're sorry that you're having to deal with finances as well as BC!

    The Paying for Your Care section of the main Breastcancer.org site has lists of resources, including for those who are uninsured or underinsured. There are organizations and services that want to help!

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