Chronic Medical Conditions and Bankruptcy

[Dj1995]

Hi,

Has anyone else had ongoing chronic medical conditions and had to file bankruptcy? How do these situations get handled? I have to list all my debt, including medical, but still have to receive treatment - any advice?

Thanks!

[DeadManCrawling]

This is tough. I have chronic medical issues and filed BK. I have spinal stenosis, a narrow spinal column, with osteoarthritis and a host of other issues. I see many doctors.

You will likely have problems with some. Once you file BK, your debt to them is automatically discharged. You could choose to reaffirm I suppose, but that is kind of against the point of BK.

I made sure my most important providers were paid up by the time I filed. You have to be careful not to break the preferential payment line in so doing, though.

I have a few doctors who will not see me now, since my debt was discharged. I called and offered to work something out with one, but they refused.

On the other hand, I had a major corporation that I owed over 40k to. The debt was discharged, but my treatment was never interrupted and still continues today. Over the last few years, though, they made a total of about 30k off me and another 200k off my insurance company. So maybe it was just a "cost of business" decision. I owe them 3k right now, since I wasn't paying attention to a deductible and had a procedure done. I am going to pay them 50-100/month until its gone, if they agree.

You MAY lose some of them, in terms of services. I would talk to them in advance, if they are critical to your care. Go ahead and ask. First, though, I would consider establishing or at least asking about, new relationships just in case.

It is tricky.

If there is one VITAL piece of advice it would be this: Do NOT file BK until you absolutely must. That way, as much of your medical expenses can be included as possible. This may come across as "manipulative", but when it is your life or health, I don't believe money--theirs or yours--is more important.

Best,

-dmc

[gmk]

I have a handful of chronic conditions and I included a hospital and a couple of local clinics in my BK. Prior to filing I paid as I went and have continued to do so. I have had no problem with continuing care. After filing I was a apprehensive at my first office visit and expected some hassle at the check in desk but I paid my co-pay and nothing was mentioned. When I move to a different location, I'm somewhat concerned about signing up with new practitioners but we'll deal with that when it happens.

[marie]

I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and have had to find a new Rheumatologist because I included an outstanding Bill in my BK, and he will no longer see me.

[wipetheslate]

I haven't filed yet--had been planning to, but had that derailed by a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment--but when my parents offered to pay my $2K bill (after insurance) at the cancer center where I was receiving treatment, I jumped at it. I was/am absolutely frightened by being refused treatment.

They paid the bill directly vs. funneling money to me. I had not planned on listing this as a preferential payment. I don't want any of my medical stuff on my bk at all. Will I run into any trouble for this?