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Medical Bill Help?

MommapenMommapen
in Oregon Babies
Hi,

My husband broke his hand last month and we've just gotten the bill. It was at the coast, so we were out of network. It's getting to be around $2,000. We need to save money for the babies and can't really afford to be spending it on these ridiculous charges. It's freaking me out. I'm starting to worry the stupid insurance company isn't going to cover a lot of the costs of my high risk pregnancy. Does anyone know of any groups that help people with medical bill payments. I'm a full time student so our income is pretty limited. My husband makes decent money, but not great. So, any help would be much appreciated. It would be different if we had planned on a baby, much less two, but this has caught us unprepared financially.
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Re: Medical Bill Help?

  • The_Jen626The_Jen626

    I don't have any ideas, but wanted to share my experience with you.  I have had a few unexpected dr bills come up, and every single office has been ok with me making a payment plan with them to pay it off.  So I usually would do $50 a month until it was paid off.  I would just be honest with them, they would rather get a partial payment from you, than nothing at all.  Everyone hits hard times occasionally, the billing office will understand that.  Also, I would push harder with the insurance company to pay this bill, that is absurd that they won't pay it, you were on vacation!  Were you supposed to drive back to Portland??

    Also, my SIL has 2 kids, and "accidentally" got knocked up by her loser boyfriend.  She found out it was twins, and he left her.  So she now has 4 kids, is on WIC and gets welfare and all kinds of assistance from the state, but she is doing ok, and her kids are growing up healthy and solid.  I'm not saying that's the best option, but it just goes to show, that you can make it work out.  These babies are a blessing, you may not see it now, but you will get through this hard time, and it will get better! 

    Can you take a term off school and work to try and make some money while you are pregnant?  Even retail in the mall, you would make $10/hour, 40 hours a week, is about $600 bring home every 2 weeks, that would be $7200 if you worked full time for the next 6 months?  Just something to think about.

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  • MommapenMommapen
    Thanks for the thoughts. I've had trouble finding minimum wage jobs due to my past profession. They tend to think I wouldn't be happy earning that little, no matter what I say. It would have to be good timing because after 6 months the grace period ends and my debt level after 7 years of school is huge!

    I'm looking at all options and that may have to be. Hubby says no. But I'm not sure.
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  • MommapenMommapen
    I should also say that I never ever doubt that these babies are a blessing. I have a strong faith in God and know that it is His plan that we have these babies. I just have to remind myself once in a while that He will help us to take care of them. I want the best for them. It's just hard to see how without money. We make too much for WIC and welfare, but not enough to take care of everything we need to. It's a frustrating place to be. But, we'll get through. I know we will.
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  • The_Jen626The_Jen626

    Just keep in mind that people WAY worse off than you have had babies and been just fine, so you will get through it too!  That's what gets me through when I'm freaking out.

    : )

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  • bitsy_bbitsy_b
    As far as the existing hospital bill goes, I would suggest calling the hospital billing dept. and see if you can negotiate a smaller payment.  I had a massive hospital bills a few years back and basically called and said I can't afford this bill, but I can pay you $xx (they accepted my offer).  Many hospitals will work with you to get some payment, and some won't, but it's definitely worth the call.  If not, get on a payment plan as suggested above.
    Good luck! 
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  • pdxpeachpdxpeach

    Last year our oldest son shattered his growth plate in his hand and had to have surgery.  My husbands insurance only covers preventative care so we were stuck with some pretty big bills.  We made payment plans with the surgeon and the anestesiologist but when we called the hospital they suggested we apply for financial aid (we had two kids then and I was pregnant with our third).  The hospital ended up forgiving our whole balance.  It's worth a phone call anyway for sure.  We took it as a lesson though and now we have better insurance.  Sometimes it doesn't seem worth it to be paying so much every month but in the emergencies it sure does make a difference.  Our baby ended up needing surgery after he was born to correct a few birth defects and we were certainly glad we had it :).  Also, even though there isn't a place on the financial aid forms for the upcoming babies you can type up a page stating special circumstances and that should help you out.  GL!

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  • MommapenMommapen
    thanks all for your thoughts. We have things under control. No need for any comments.

    I see I didn't explain our situation very well and I'm too tired to do that now. But thank you anyway for your care and concern.
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