Help with hospital bills.?

Question

I had surgery due to an accident a couple of years ago. My bill is over 100,000.00. I have no insurance. I applied for financial aid, but the hospital won't approve aid until I get everyone that I live with income level. They tell me that any roommates income counts as part of my income. My roommates don't want to disclose their finances to the hospital so the hospital has put my bill in collections. I have been making payment each month. But I only have social security disabilty which doesn't go that far. I have worked out other plans with other medical services. But the hospital says they won't do anything to help me out until I get them the infor they requested.

Answer 1

My father is an avid fan of Dave Ramsey. He is a talk show host/author/financial planner.
I had a similar situation to yours a few years ago and my dad told me that Dave Ramsey had addressed this on his radio show. He said to stop applying for financial aid and go directly to the hospital administrator. Keep calling until you get them to return your call or make an appointment to see you. Talk to the the head honcho and explain that you cannot pay this.
According to Dave Ramsey, the "high ups" at the hospitals are actually generous people and will often reduce or write off medical bills for people. It's the billing centers that are jerks about it and unwilling to help. That is why they are hired.
This worked for me because I finally spoke with the Vice President of the hospital and she actually wrote off most of my bill.
Now, I'm sure this won't work for people who don't even want to try and pay their bills, but if you are making an attempt, I'll bet they'd listen to you and help you out.
I don't know much about this Dave Ramsey guy, other than what my dad tells me. All I know is this advice worked for me.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Even if you have no insurance, they are required to care for you. The only thing you can do is make the absolute minimum payments until you die. That is all they can really expect you to do, anyway. Don't fret about your hospital bill. Even if you never pay that bill, so what? They can't sue you, they can't garnish your wages since you don't have any. I would not even pay it at all since you do not have an income besides social security.

Answer 3

Go Sloegin's route - its the only way you won't have this hanging over your head for the next decade. They provided a service to you and they deserved to get paid.

Can I recommend you looking into a major medical plan - it only runs $80-$100 a month!

Answer 4

They are not entitled to the information of others. If you are in the US, look for the nearest Legal Aid office. You may be able to find an attorney to tell the hospital to get off your back. It won't cost you anything.