[Nypheria]

I have a doctors appointment on the 17th for my OB. Im 7 months pregnant, got my insurance dropped when I was about 5 months pregnant, tried to get more and was denied officially three days ago. During that time, have been paying 368 dollars out of pocket (ouch).

My fiancee graduated finally - has his BS degree in Education. Sadly, he is only pulling in about 300 a month working 2 jobs. (both part time - Babys R Us and Sylvan.). At this point - were down to our last 100 bucks - he is using it now on grocery's. There is no way we will be able to pay for the doctor visit on the 17, but Im worried about the child because she hasnt been kicking as much...

Im thinking about going there, seeing the doctor, and not paying. (With her, you pay at the end.) The only bills we have been paying Since November have been electricity, water/gas, rent, internet, and well, food. Its been horrible trying to save money on food since Im pregnant and have to eat often. Still underweight even after all the extra food intake.

Feel like Im under a rock. Stopped taking my medications since the cost is RIDICULOUS without insruance (450 for a months supply!), and have been avoiding the bill collectors for months as well. (stopped talking to them when they threaten to take our food away.) And it made me paranoid about the phone and the mail since they said that (am schizoaffective and easily paranoid/frightened).

Its down to food or bills. Electricity, water/gas...internet vs food. Also, should I go in and con my doctor? Or should I tell them right up I cant afford seeing her and risk being denied or sent over somewhere else? Dont care about my mental state - just want my baby to be ok.

[perpetuallysad]

Actually, I am not sure how the rules are in your state, but I think your doc would have to continue seeing you. Plus, considering they are seeing you already, they have to realize you need the doctor, obviously you can't just stop being pregnant.

I know you may not want to do this, but you can go and get WIC while you are pregnant, this won't provide you with a ton of food but it will give you a good bit (it was what I pretty much lived off of when I was pregnant). Also you can apply for food stamps and I would bet that in your situation you would even qualify for emergency food stamps (you get those almost immediately while they are reviewing your claim). There are also lots and lots of programs to help with paying utilities. It sucks but for now you should get rid of everything extra, internet, cable, keep a phone, but if you have multiple cell phones cut them off. The most important thing you can do is take care of yourself right now. Its really hard to ask for assistance like this, but it is what the programs are there for. If you don't mind me asking, how did you lose your insurance while you were pregnant? There may be something you can do to get that back.

And your mental state is just as important as your baby. Remember you are carrying it, so you have to be healthy too!

[Yoda]

Have you contacted the manufacturer of the medications? Often they will give free or reduced costs meds to people in need.

Have you applied for prescription drug assistance programs in your county or state?

Have you talked to DHHR for assistance, possibly WIC, food stamps, other help?

Are there churches or organizations near you that provide food banks?

[50guy]

Food always comes before bills. You have to eat to survive and be healthy. Go get WIC and food stamps right away. You can also look into getting assistance with your utilities from each company. Also, getting assisstance from housing in your county or city is worth looking into. You are with child and need some help and that is what these programs are for. A safety net designed to help you in times like this.

Good luck

[lynn P.]

I agree with the others - get the assistance you're qualified for. I heard in the U.S. some medication are $4 at Walmart. I've also cut out things like satelite, eating out, coffee shops. etc. I also shop at lower end stores for food. I find their quality is even better than the higher end ones, at least where I live. Learn how to prepare all your meals at home. I can buy a whole chicken, roast it for dinner - then the next day make sandwiches or sometimes another dinner using left over chicken - that's a big stretch. Best of luck with your new baby.

Nypheria, go to the Texas government website and find the number for information. Call, explain your circumstances and ask to be directed to someone who can help you find the assistance you may be eligible for, including food stamps, housing assistance, and medical and prescription help.

You may find useful information calling here: http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?sec...our_local_nami

And here: http://211.org/

Good luck.

[sunrise]

Nypheria, for healthcare expenses, I think you could probably qualify for Medicaid, since one of the eligible groups it serves is low income, pregnant women. Can you look into that? I hope you qualify.

[(JD)]

Have you contacted the angelfood.org group?
They are a non-profit that has removed the middle man, and buys and sells co-op'd food to anyone ... anyone.

http://www.angelfoodministries.com/?...isworc@aol.com

I use them at times, even though I can afford my foodstuffs.
I know many ppl who are doing fine, and they use them because the food is good, fresh and cheaper than in a grocery store.

[FlamingJune]

Nypheria, there's got to be help somewhere from your local government. Go to your local government office online and see what they have for healthcare and even food stamps.
It's okay to lean on the system for awhile especially when you're pregnant and your husband is trying so hard.
I hope something comes your way soon.

[Amazonmom]

Medicaid and WIC were made for situations like this. If you two are down to 300 dollars a month, I can't imagine you being denied due to high income.

You deserve help, I wish I could do more than offer words of comfort.

[amante]

Definitely go to the dr. for that pregnancy well visit, perhaps she'll work out something that you can get to see her and pay when you are both back on your feet. I'm sure you won't get denied being pregnant. Is there an Aldi Food store nearby you, they are often alot cheaper than walmart for certain things. it sucks to be so low in spirits and expecting a baby and having all the bill collector worries. hang in there.

[Perna]

How are you and the new baby? Did everything work out okay?

[mamaJenof5]

I know what you are feeling! I have been there too many times before. I moved out at 16 and had a baby got married (to someone who couldn't hold a job) and from then on for about 7 years I lived that life...pretty much till I met my husband now....anyway they are all right about getting all the state assistance you can. also I am a super grocery shopper! known to save $98 on a $200 shopping bill I will sent you some of the tips I use also with all the help you will feel like you can breathe again good luck to you!! you'll get through it!!