pgrundy, I'm sorry your husband was sick and that caused you such financial hardship. I hope his health is better today.

More bankruptcies are due to enormous medical bills than ever.

And, yes, the days of paying a little each month are gone. The providers want their money up front or within 3-6 months after services are rendered. When I had an emergency involving my eye last year, the medical bills came fast - faster than I could keep up with. Now I am permanently "severed" from the professional group where I received all but my retina care. I didn't pay fast enough for them.

When my employer switched from a nice HMO to this high deductible plan, it was like an immediate pay cut.

While I can afford a doctor visit, I cannot afford any follow up testing. So there is not much point in seeing the doctor in the first place.

I am looking for a job with better benefits, although if this trend continues...