My parents are having a horrible time financially and I dont know what to do?

Question

Im 17 and I have a job. My parents both have jobs and work very hard for what they do have. My mother has a heart condition and about a year ago she had to go to the hospital for pains. My stepdad had just signed onto his insurance company and I guess that they need 6 months before they will cover pre existing condtions. They were sued over that and now pay out 400 dollars monthly to pay that off.Our local clinic is suing them for a time when they took my brother and I to the doctor and it cost 568 dollars but with court costs and fees its now over 1600, although they agreed out of court and it never went there.Im just really stressed and dont know what to do.We can hardly afford to pay our rent and utilities.and other necessary expenses.Its all overwhelming.Do they have any legal rights involving this?Is there something that they should fight?My mother doesn't like confrontation, but Im willing to do the research to help her out of this mess.The added pressure isn't healthy for her.

Answer 1

Have you considered looking into getting your mother on disability? The application and approval process can take some time, but it may be worth it if she has a serious condition that affects her work. My parents are in a similar situation, and it can be frustrating. One of the things we did was make a budget and cut out ALL unnecessary expenses for awhile (including cable, renting movies, takeout food, etc.) You'd be surprised how much you can save each month by doing this.

Legally, there is little recourse for a patient over what is and is not covered by insurance. You may want to contact the clinic to see if they would be willing to settle the debt for less than is owed. Many of them are willing to do this just to have the account resolved. Keep in mind, it costs them more money in the long run to sue you than to settle a debt.

Answer 2

Refer

Answer 3

Your mom needs health insurance. She can't afford not to have it. Now, you know your family is just having a hard time. How much do they owe in total? Would you be willing to take out a loan in your name, to make the payments less for them? If your mom gets a part time job somewhere, maybe a phone job, she might can get some extra insurance from that company at least until dad's kicks in and they probably will cover pre-existing cond. as she is a new employee. About that loan, you probably dont have credit, and need a co-signer (someone with credit) and you should make absolutely sure that your parents can afford to pay this loan off for you. It would help you get your credit started, but don't let it start off on a bad foot.

Answer 4

I am sorry that your family is experiencing a problem like this. It doesn't seem right. All I can do is spend the remainder of this Friday (June 22, 2007) in prayer that something better will come to you. Your concern and affection for them is enlightening to me. Let's pray that a rich person sees this question of yours and makes a decision to come forward with some help.
God bless.