[Hellion]

But they sure as hell take their time when it comes to getting needed financial help like SSI and medicaid and EBT. I suppose I am a bit frusterated since I owe like 7,000 dollars or something around there and thats not even for my stay in the psych ward that's just the ER and having to be taken by ambulance because of their policies...can't wait to see how much I owe for the actual stay.

I am currently on a waiting list for medicaid, in the appeal process for trying to get SSI after being denied and waiting on some cash asstance I am supposed to get from the state before getting on SSI but still waiting on finding out if I was approved for that.

So much for trying to minimize my stress and all that so I don't end up back in the psych ward and go even more in debt....but whatever I am going to try to relax for the rest of the evening and not worry about the mountain of debt I'm stuck under. What am I going to do anyways call the number on the letter and tell them 'oh yeah by the way I don't have *****, so I can't pay this.'? Its all just very frustrating.

I suppose my question is what is the worst that can happen if you are unable to pay a bill for receiving medical care? I just don't want to end up facing legal consequences for trying to get the help I need.

[Perna]

Nothing at all will happen if you do not pay medical bills; my brother-in-law had a liver transplant back in the day and they owed a zillion dollars but eventually the hospital, etc. writes it off (after about the length of time it may take you to get SSI :-)

However, it does influence any future credit, and private practitioners might not choose to work with you, etc., but no one is going to haul you into court to get a pound of flesh or anything.

[Hellion]

Hmm I don't really have any credit to speak of to begin with, and I doubt I will ever be in a position to put credit to use anyways. I am hoping maybe when I get on SSI I can look into housing I could afford with it...but not sure what sort of help is available for that sort of thing.

But the medicaid should go through soon and all the bills would pretty much be covered under that.

[redbandit]

Even though I have insurance I still have a lot of problems paying my bills. What I'm doing is a payment plan. Maybe you could talk to your provider about that option?

[anneo59]

Originally Posted by redbandit

Even though I have insurance I still have a lot of problems paying my bills. What I'm doing is a payment plan. Maybe you could talk to your provider about that option?

In a similar situ and do payment plans on a reg basis. Usu it isn't enuff for them, but when they realize I'm doing the best I can and that they have and will be getting my business, usu they'll work with me. Tho it seems like we're constantly paying medical bills off, even tho not catastrophic, thank goodness. The best to you as you get this figured out!

[Hellion]

I don't have a provider I am currently waiting on medicaid and don't have any kind of insurance or anything...no income either. So yeah don't have money with which to set up a payment plan. I will have to call the number on the bill and explain my situation and hopefully they can work with me or put a hold on the bill till I can get on medicaid which would cover it.

This wouldn't be such an issue if I had income.

[anneo59]

bless you, have been there before and know some who still are. Some have had access to free clinics or health fairs, while others made it on medicaid. Others just doing the best they can. Sure hope it gets better!

[anneo59]

Actually, counting blessings at moment since we are under hub's insur and I am not medicare age yet. However, hub just told me that HR wants our copies of any clinicians' bills and certainly the insurance company's EOBs. Many have noticed extra charges, sometimes itemized, sometimes not, that are finding their way on customary and usual things like office visits, etc. Like never before, really. Even the insur co and various medical websites often include a disclaimer that there are possibly going to be extra charges, and sure enough, these days, there usually are. And sometimes you can't pin them down ahead of time so you can budget. It really stinks, though I am blessed in many ways others are not, at this point in life. I just try to take it in stride and fight the battles we can and wish the best and pray for us and many others in worse shape.