Expecting Additional Medical Expenses

[minan]

We have insurance now through our employers so other half sought help for anxiety/depression and met with intake counselor and now psychiatrist this past month. The treatment plan includes:
1. Meds - $25 per med co-pay, monthly. Starting with 1 med, but will increase to 2
2. Dr visits - $25 copay - monthly initially, then probably every 3 mos
3. Group therapy - $25 copay per group - we found 2 groups that can help and are recommended by both Dr and Intake Counselor

Right now, our monthly budget only allocates $25. We did not have expenses in 2010 to substantiate additional medical expenses on our bk paperwork so atty only documented $25.

Since we have only incurred $50 dollars so far, we do not think it is wise to amended our 13 plan now since we can't substantiate the new expenses. Dr thinks the treatment plan will require 1-2 years.

We think it might be better to wait until 2012 when we have the actual receipts from all the additional medical costs, then request an amended plan and include the receipts as part of our proof.

The other option we are looking at is getting a 2nd job (at say $8 -$10 hr) for 15-20 hours. This extra income would be used to cover the additional costs without the need to amend our plan.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[lrprn]

Give your lawyer a call and let him/her know about the new additional medical expenses. He/she may ask you to get written confirmation from the physicians involved about whether your SO's treatment will be temporary (six months or so) or last for years during your plan (or even permanently). Your lawyer can tell you what's the best thing to do in this situation in your local court and with your trustee.

Keep in mind that if your SO's treatment isn't permanent (or lasting for years, at least), then amending your plan to accommodate the temporary costs often isn't an option. Your lawyer is the place to start to find out what is possible in this situation. I hope your wife is feeling better very soon.

[Pandora]

Right now, our monthly budget only allocates $25. We did not have expenses in 2010 to substantiate additional medical expenses on our bk paperwork so atty only documented $25.

Your attorney screwed up IMO - you are allowed $60 per person in medical from IRS standards - and it can be more if you have the documentation proving costs. Modify your plan to include the IRS amount at a minimum. Everyone has medical - hell even OTC meds are more than $25 a month depending on what you're on - example: son is on prevacid (OTC vs. Rx) and it costs roughly $25 just for that.

Since you're going to amend - double check all the other areas to ensure you claimed at least IRS standards - no sense cutting yourself short when you're allowed to have X amount (income & payback on secured debt driven of course). Getting a 2nd job to pay for medical expenses alone wouldnt be prudent; amend the schedules and give yourself what you're entitled to.