Just a note about medical bills - that you may not know
This may have been addressed before but if so, it has not been recently. I also think it should be revisited after reading Kam's post below and the fact that so many people b/c of medical expenses.
Did you know that any hospital, which is subsidized by the gov't (most), has to offer financial assistance for those with low income. Now you may not think your income is that low, but it depends how many in your family. I am sure this varies state to state but is usually the same or similar among hospitals within the state. I am in NH and it is in the vicinity of $21,000 for a single person!
I have no insurance and have not for about 5 years. I work for myself and have been in school and I have had a tremendous amount of medical expenses either completely covered or at least substantially reduced. This included breast surgery (whew! it was benign!) last January. For women, there are programs where you can get free mammograms and other health care.
For most of my care it has to go thru hospital billing, therefore it must be a Dr. affiliated with the hospital. I have to apply 2x per year and show proof of income. You might be surprised at the income levels. See if your hospital has a financial assistance department or check with billing.
Another note on medical bills. If you write the billing dept. of your hospital and say "I know I owe you $10,000 but I cannot afford to pay you more than $50.00/month right now. You will have $50 on or before the 15th of every month. I will send more if I can" Sign it, keep a copy mail a copy and as long as you do not mess up the date and amount you promised they cannot touch you. I learned while pursuing delinquent accounts for a chiropractor many years ago - and I tell everyone I can!
Outside of medical expenses, your local electric and phone company may also have similar programs. I was shocked to learn that I could have all those FCC taxes knocked off my phone bill! And that is at Verizon, so I am sure they offer it everywhere they service.
The guidelines vary, but they are not nearly as low as what you need for food tamps so check into it!
There are also Medications Assistance Programs (MAP). There are ones directly with some drug companies, but your hospital may very well have their own (and they do all the paperwork!), so ask your doctor or hospital. Usually what are covered are the newer more expensive drugs. I take daily meds that I pay out of pocket but I also get my migraine meds FREE. Here is one place to begin.
Hope this helps at least some of you!! Even if you do not think you will qualify, still check it out - you just might
Did you know that any hospital, which is subsidized by the gov't (most), has to offer financial assistance for those with low income. Now you may not think your income is that low, but it depends how many in your family. I am sure this varies state to state but is usually the same or similar among hospitals within the state. I am in NH and it is in the vicinity of $21,000 for a single person!
I have no insurance and have not for about 5 years. I work for myself and have been in school and I have had a tremendous amount of medical expenses either completely covered or at least substantially reduced. This included breast surgery (whew! it was benign!) last January. For women, there are programs where you can get free mammograms and other health care.
For most of my care it has to go thru hospital billing, therefore it must be a Dr. affiliated with the hospital. I have to apply 2x per year and show proof of income. You might be surprised at the income levels. See if your hospital has a financial assistance department or check with billing.
Another note on medical bills. If you write the billing dept. of your hospital and say "I know I owe you $10,000 but I cannot afford to pay you more than $50.00/month right now. You will have $50 on or before the 15th of every month. I will send more if I can" Sign it, keep a copy mail a copy and as long as you do not mess up the date and amount you promised they cannot touch you. I learned while pursuing delinquent accounts for a chiropractor many years ago - and I tell everyone I can!
Outside of medical expenses, your local electric and phone company may also have similar programs. I was shocked to learn that I could have all those FCC taxes knocked off my phone bill! And that is at Verizon, so I am sure they offer it everywhere they service.
The guidelines vary, but they are not nearly as low as what you need for food tamps so check into it!
There are also Medications Assistance Programs (MAP). There are ones directly with some drug companies, but your hospital may very well have their own (and they do all the paperwork!), so ask your doctor or hospital. Usually what are covered are the newer more expensive drugs. I take daily meds that I pay out of pocket but I also get my migraine meds FREE. Here is one place to begin.
Hope this helps at least some of you!! Even if you do not think you will qualify, still check it out - you just might
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