Hello everyone,
My friend just sobbed to me about how her sister’s medical care in Texas had left her low-income family with a $600k bill. It looks like their insurance (CIGNA PPO?) has already paid $400k. So incredibly awful.
I am aware that we ought to request itemized invoices, make an effort to negotiate for the best deal, and get in touch with the hospital’s social workers and financial assistance. Do we have any other options?
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Here’s a paraphrased version:
"I’m sharing some resources that I hope might be helpful or at least guide you to other useful options.
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NeedHelpPayingBills: This site offers information on how to get financial assistance with bills, as well as access to free items and emergency or long-term help. It includes local agencies near you, categorized by state or program type, along with national organizations, charities, and government social services. You can find support for rent or utility bills, free food, mortgage payments, free health or dental clinics, and much more.
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FreeClinics: Provides free or reduced-cost medical and dental care.
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Cancer for College: A program dedicated to alleviating medical debt for CFC scholars and other cancer survivors.
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Resolve Medical Bills: Works with you, insurance companies, and healthcare providers to create payment plans or reduce and eliminate bills entirely.
This article from Verywell Health explains what medical billing advocates can do for you and when it might be beneficial to work with one.
Un Do Medical Debt, Purchases and then abolishes medical debt if you meet the criteria.
Cameron’s Crusaders, Lists several charities that assist with medical bills.
Healthwell Foundation,Helps underinsured individuals afford critical medical treatments.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Assists with co-pays, travel for medical appointments, caregivers, and more for those dealing with cancer.
Dollar For.Helps with discounts and/or forgiveness of healthcare bills.
Cancer Care Offers financial assistance to help people with cancer overcome barriers to treatment, including co-payments for prescribed treatments. They provide easy, same-day approval over the phone and online.
In Massachusetts, the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF),provides financial relief to eligible families caring for children and youth under 22 years old with medically related expenses not covered by insurance, federal or state assistance, fundraising, or any other financial source.
Pan Foundation, Offers financial assistance to help people with serious illnesses afford out-of-pocket treatment costs and improve their quality of life."
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It’s much appreciated; you’re extremely sweet!
He probably paid a maximum of $20–30k. I work for a lien company, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how the fees are inflated by more than 500%.
Given her limited salary, she may just default and declare bankruptcy in this situation. (I do not advise doing so. This is something I’ve witnessed others do.) She can keep the things she needs, such as her house, car, and savings, to take care of her daughter. They will garnish wages if the victim has a middle-class salary, and there is virtually no remedy. I’m sorry to learn that your family experienced this.
Since it’s a medical debt, you can simply let it go.
They offer a feature known as max out of pocket. Whoch indicates that you’re at capacity. I had surgery, paid the entire amount out of pocket, and then received a $50,000 charge. Tell them to speak with the insurance, I said. After they made an attempt to dispute with me, I finally announced that I wasn’t paying. It’s been more than a year and I still haven’t heard from them. I’m also in Texas.
I apologize for what’s happening, but I had medical costs that were over $5,000. I told her I could only afford to pay $50 a month, so I thought maybe she could too. Just make a small payment and don’t even try to pay it off right away. The $44,000 I was charged for a migraine was ridiculous, so I said to myself, “Yeah fuck that I’m not paying that.” Fortunately, my insurance covered the most of the cost.