I'm 22 yrs old i have at least 3000 in medical bills to pay. I didn't have insurance I just got insuranced from the job that i been at for 5yrs. I only make 6.25 i get about 35 hours a week average. I have no idea of how i'm going to get the money to repay them back alone with a 2500 dollar student loan. I'm depsressed all these bills are driving me krazy they are also going on my credit report. Most of the bills are lab fee's. I also had to pay in full when i went to the doctor. So i have about 1000 dollars in lab fee's thats in collections. The 2000 other dollars are from a hospital bill just for a couple of hours. Can anyone give me information on how i could get help paying for my bills. I live in mobile alabama. If i dont do something then my credit would be messed up for 7yrs. I feel so helpless i have arthritis in both legs i have problems with my bladder i have to take at least 3 differents meds for that. I have cycst on my ovaries. So i'm allways at the doctor.
2006-08-07 06:19:52 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
I would contact the hospital you went to and see if they have a Patient assistance program. Here in PA , at some hospitals , they will right off about 80% of your bills if you meet the income standard.. good luck!!
2006-08-07 06:26:43 · answer #1 · answered by AT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing for your credit right now would be to arrange to pay a very small sum - say $15-20 per month on the items in collection. If you continue to have medical problems, you should apply for Medicaid which will cover all of your medical expenses and I suspect you would qualify if you are only making $6.25 per hour. If you feel overwhelmed there are two other options - go to a credit counseling service and they can negotiate with all your creditors so you would only make a single payment each month to the credit counseling service for which they will charge you a modest fee. You should also consider Chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy - a 7 would discharge your medical bills and give you a fresh start and a 13 would allow you to pay your creditors back over a period of time, usually about 4 years. Neither of these would erase your student loans though. If you need more medical services and don't get Medicaid, you should see if you can negotiate with the doctors and hospitals - there is something called the Hill-Burton act which allows hospitals to provide medical treatment for patients who aren't able to pay for their care. God Bless You and Good Luck!
2006-08-07 06:31:45 · answer #2 · answered by Mother Bear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry that you are feeling so overwhelmed. There is hope! First, as long as you are making payments on the bill, medical providers cannot send it to collections. Call the billing department of each provider and see if you can get a reduction in the bill. Some will give you one, some won't, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Explain your situation. Then tell them that you will make monthly payments on the bill. Most will ask you to pick a "due date" each month for yourself and a minimum payment amount. Then, ask them to send you a letter statement the terms that you've agreed to.
Hope this helps. Best of luck to you!
2006-08-07 06:26:48 · answer #3 · answered by nicolehope 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you qualify for medicaid. You may want to go down to your local health department and apply. Or at least talk to one of the social workers. They pay your bills 3 months back to the present. Good luck and I hope you get well soon.
2006-08-07 06:25:44 · answer #4 · answered by Medical and Business Information 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey girl, sounds like you have good reasons to feel stressed out!! my advise is to call the billing office for your lab, hospital or clinic bills and let them know you need to setup a contract and let them know what day is more convinient for you! example the first of each month! and honestly most places will not send you to collections as long as you make a pmt each month! and if you cant make a good pmt for a month be honest and call them let them know! even make $10.00 pmts but as long is they receive some kind of $ from you. AS FOR YOU STUDENT LOAN,
find out if you can get a hold on it...I know for mine, they offer a hold time...and thats when your stuck with bills and unable to make your pmts they will put a hold (as long as they are completely aware of your situation) and will not charge you interest for that time up to 6-12 months. find out about it!!! good luck girl, and finally my last advice! try getting a job that will offer you medical coverage! theres lots of jobs that offer dental/medical coverage! apply @ many places and once you find a job put in your notice at the current one! good luck!
2006-08-07 06:29:02 · answer #5 · answered by CALI GIRL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call and make a apptmt. with Social Services in you county. What state are you in. They usually have medicaid etc or different king of help. ck with them. Good luck Pem
2006-08-07 06:30:30 · answer #6 · answered by Patricia M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this article has alot of tips on financial matters and may be able to help you out
2006-08-07 06:22:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋