Filing for bankruptcy - Page 3

[WindyCityMom]

Also, in reading some of the responses RE: chicago being NCB friendly... and other musings I just want to get off my chest, though O/T

-West Suburban won't take Medicaid.

-The Midwives at UIC do, and the HB midwife works with them.  I had my first daughter with the OB's there and it was sheer hell.  But this midwife gave rave reviews and told me she's sure I'd get a VBAC there.  I'm going to check them out as well.

-Swedish Covenant midwives require continuous external fetal monitoring during labor (for VBACs).. which means I am confined to a bed.  I feel like that dooms me from the start... I'd almost want to walk in there pushing to avoid having my labor stall.. but that's risky in itself becuase with #1 being an induction (14 hours for a very unripe cervix and not ready baby, so shortish IMO) and #2 being a c/s... I'm not sure how fast labor could go.  

-I'm nervous about being GBS+ again.  The HB midwife would allow a hibiclens protocol, whereas I'd be attached to abx :(
-I'm nervous about signing out AMA.  I'd like to leave within 12 hours should there be no complications.  I know some cherish the time away from their other children.. it's just not for me.  I need to talk to medicaid and see if they still cover it if I do sign out AMA.  I'm pretty sure they do as I've signed out of the ER AMA before (they wanted to do a CT scan for an asthma attack!  I was sick, away from home, no inhaler, needed a breathing treatment or *something*... Which I was able to get, BUT they wanted to observe me for a blood clot despite the fact that I was OK.  Medicaid covered it, no q's asked.  

But yeah.  I'll keep updated on the bankruptcy process as it unfolds.

[ChristyMarie]

-Swedish Covenant midwives require continuous external fetal monitoring during labor (for VBACs).. which means I am confined to a bed.  I feel like that dooms me from the start... I'd almost want to walk in there pushing to avoid having my labor stall.. but that's risky in itself becuase with #1 being an induction (14 hours for a very unripe cervix and not ready baby, so shortish IMO) and #2 being a c/s... I'm not sure how fast labor could go.  

Do they  have wireless monitoring equipment there?  If not, you can stand up you are just limited in how far from the machine you can get.

-I'm nervous about being GBS+ again.  The HB midwife would allow a hibiclens protocol, whereas I'd be attached to abx :(

My OB had no problem doing a series of shots during labor instead of an IV.  I am very anti-IV, hate them.  He thought I was insane for preferring shots but didn't see any reason why we couldn't go that route if I tested +.

[Imakcerka]

Good luck mama, I hope everything works out for you. 

[pitter_patter]

Have you looked into subsidized daycare?  In my city it is called ACCESS but of course that varies by area.  People under a certain income get daycare vouchers for a large portion (if not all) of the cost.  

As far as the bankruptcy, this link might be helpful:  http://www.illinoislegalaid.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_content&contentID=3056#Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy Help Desk

Location: Room 622, The Dirksen Federal Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn Street
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
Phone: [phone]
Languages: No appointment necessary. No language services available. Please bring your own interpreter.

The Desk provides assistance to individuals representing themselves in a bankruptcy case. The Desk can answer questions about completing schedules and court forms; and make referrals to lawyers, legal aid hotlines, government agencies, or social services that can offer further help. Lawyers at the Desk will not represent you in court or at hearings. The Desk also offers access to a computer to find online legal information, forms and resources.

 

[purslaine]

I would not automatically give up the birth providers I wanted over money.  I would be very honest with them about my financial situation, and let them know it might take x amount of months to pay for the services, and then let them decide if they want me as a client.  They may not.

I have read a lot of traumatic birth stories online, and had a mildly upsetting one myself with my firstborn. I take being broke and knowing I did the best I could to get the type of birth I needed over finances.  YMMV.  This isn't lattes, satellite or a snowmobile you are potentially giving up - it is a birth situation.

[Eyelet]

Originally Posted by WindyCityMom 

Also, in reading some of the responses RE: chicago being NCB friendly... and other musings I just want to get off my chest, though O/T

-West Suburban won't take Medicaid.

-The Midwives at UIC do, and the HB midwife works with them.  I had my first daughter with the OB's there and it was sheer hell.  But this midwife gave rave reviews and told me she's sure I'd get a VBAC there.  I'm going to check them out as well.

-Swedish Covenant midwives require continuous external fetal monitoring during labor (for VBACs).. which means I am confined to a bed.  I feel like that dooms me from the start... I'd almost want to walk in there pushing to avoid having my labor stall.. but that's risky in itself becuase with #1 being an induction (14 hours for a very unripe cervix and not ready baby, so shortish IMO) and #2 being a c/s... I'm not sure how fast labor could go.  

-I'm nervous about being GBS+ again.  The HB midwife would allow a hibiclens protocol, whereas I'd be attached to abx :(
-I'm nervous about signing out AMA.  I'd like to leave within 12 hours should there be no complications.  I know some cherish the time away from their other children.. it's just not for me.  I need to talk to medicaid and see if they still cover it if I do sign out AMA.  I'm pretty sure they do as I've signed out of the ER AMA before (they wanted to do a CT scan for an asthma attack!  I was sick, away from home, no inhaler, needed a breathing treatment or *something*... Which I was able to get, BUT they wanted to observe me for a blood clot despite the fact that I was OK.  Medicaid covered it, no q's asked.  

But yeah.  I'll keep updated on the bankruptcy process as it unfolds.

WCM - Another option too are these midwives: http://www.oakparkmidwife.com/home/Midwifery_and_Womens_Health_at_West_Suburban.html -They take medicaid according to their website and they deliver at the ABC at West Sub. 

I've heard really good things about the UIC midwives and that's awesome to hear they take medicaid too. A friend of a friend had a natural breach birth with them and was really happy with their services. :-)

Another poster mentioned the Evanston midwives. I actually recently looked into them for routine gyn services because their office would be closest to me. Unfortunately, they don't accept medicaid.

Best of luck to you.

[WindyCityMom]

Thank you.  West Suburban no longer takes Medicaid http://www.westsubmidwives.com/Payment.html

I just wanted to throw that out there in case anyone finds this thread by googling.

ETA: they seem to be two different midwifery groups.  Hmm...

[Eyelet]

Originally Posted by WindyCityMom 

Thank you.  West Suburban no longer takes Medicaid http://www.westsubmidwives.com/Payment.html

I just wanted to throw that out there in case anyone finds this thread by googling.

ETA: they seem to be two different midwifery groups.  Hmm...

No, they're two separate midwife groups - both have access to the ABC room. :-)

[WindyCityMom]

Originally Posted by IxIa 

No, they're two separate midwife groups - both have access to the ABC room. :-)

Totally calling them tomorrow.  It says " It is also possible for some mothers choosing to VBAC to use the alternative birthing center" so.. not quite sure what that means.  But I'm going to call and see if I can schedule a free consult.  If they won't let me into their ABC room... I'll be content in the regular hospital as long as I'm not on EFM.  Going to check out my tribe...

[lmonter]

To those that say the OP should take the "free" healthcare for the birth. 

How exactly is it free?  It's still taxpayer money no matter how you slice it.
Likely $10K-$25K for that "free" hospital birth, more if there's a c-section or whatnot.  If you're that concerned about her doing a free/low-cost birth, why not recommend an unassisted childbirth?
Or she can pay the what, $2-$3K cash to have her wishes regarding her reproductive organs kept intact the way she hopes?  To me it's a no-brainer. 
But I've also been unemployed (well, technically hubby was unemployed - he's our sole breadwinner) and planning for an unassisted childbirth (paying the mortgage over my childrens' heads for several months took priority over the midwife at that particular point in time) before, as well as had a bad, bad hospital experience where my child was basically kidnapped.  Until you've been in a sucky situation like that, you just won't know exactly how you're going to react.  And yes, I was flamed by so, so, so many people (except a few close friends who have experience with UC) at that time.  Yeah, well, we'd planned ahead for a rainy day and had savings and paid for cars and low bills we could afford on our budget, so we were in that middle-class place where help/assistance is little to non-existent so we only had our own brains and preparations to rely on.
 

Anyway, OP, I have several friends that have gone through bankruptcy.  The 'assets' usually mean more extraneous type things.  Like selling off the motorcycle and truck and sea-doos, keeping the van.  Cashing in stocks and bonds, but not selling the case of tomato soup in your pantry.  Selling off the second or third or income properties but keeping the primary residence you live in.  Once you meet with an attorney in person you should better know how to proceed with your situation.  At any rate, if you haven't read anything by Dave Ramsey, I think now might be the time to track down those books from the library.  Creating better habits is usually a good thing, even if it's painful during that change/growth phase.  ;)  Oh, and I have a friend that had her first with a c-section, second was a hospital VBAC, third was a UBAC.  I hope you have a healthy nine months.  :)

[erigeron]

Originally Posted by lmonter 

To those that say the OP should take the "free" healthcare for the birth. 

How exactly is it free?

It's free to her. She's concerned about her finances at this point, not the government's.

[Imakcerka]

Her husband is a tax payer at this time.  She was a tax payer until recently... She's not deserving?  I would think she would be using it appropriately.
 

Originally Posted by lmonter 

To those that say the OP should take the "free" healthcare for the birth. 

How exactly is it free?  It's still taxpayer money no matter how you slice it.
Likely $10K-$25K for that "free" hospital birth, more if there's a c-section or whatnot.  If you're that concerned about her doing a free/low-cost birth, why not recommend an unassisted childbirth?
Or she can pay the what, $2-$3K cash to have her wishes regarding her reproductive organs kept intact the way she hopes?  To me it's a no-brainer. 
But I've also been unemployed (well, technically hubby was unemployed - he's our sole breadwinner) and planning for an unassisted childbirth (paying the mortgage over my childrens' heads for several months took priority over the midwife at that particular point in time) before, as well as had a bad, bad hospital experience where my child was basically kidnapped.  Until you've been in a sucky situation like that, you just won't know exactly how you're going to react.  And yes, I was flamed by so, so, so many people (except a few close friends who have experience with UC) at that time.  Yeah, well, we'd planned ahead for a rainy day and had savings and paid for cars and low bills we could afford on our budget, so we were in that middle-class place where help/assistance is little to non-existent so we only had our own brains and preparations to rely on.
 

Anyway, OP, I have several friends that have gone through bankruptcy.  The 'assets' usually mean more extraneous type things.  Like selling off the motorcycle and truck and sea-doos, keeping the van.  Cashing in stocks and bonds, but not selling the case of tomato soup in your pantry.  Selling off the second or third or income properties but keeping the primary residence you live in.  Once you meet with an attorney in person you should better know how to proceed with your situation.  At any rate, if you haven't read anything by Dave Ramsey, I think now might be the time to track down those books from the library.  Creating better habits is usually a good thing, even if it's painful during that change/growth phase.  ;)  Oh, and I have a friend that had her first with a c-section, second was a hospital VBAC, third was a UBAC.  I hope you have a healthy nine months.  :)

[kitchensqueen]

Originally Posted by lmonter 

If you're that concerned about her doing a free/low-cost birth, why not recommend an unassisted childbirth?

Because that would irresponsible since she's had a history of needing medical assistance during her previous births. It's not that people are suggesting that she go for "free" birth per se, but that she consider options that are sound for the health of her and her child, as well as financially. 

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by lmonter 

To those that say the OP should take the "free" healthcare for the birth. 

How exactly is it free?  It's still taxpayer money no matter how you slice it.
Likely $10K-$25K for that "free" hospital birth, more if there's a c-section or whatnot.  If you're that concerned about her doing a free/low-cost birth, why not recommend an unassisted childbirth?
Or she can pay the what, $2-$3K cash to have her wishes regarding her reproductive organs kept intact the way she hopes?  To me it's a no-brainer. 
But I've also been unemployed (well, technically hubby was unemployed - he's our sole breadwinner) and planning for an unassisted childbirth (paying the mortgage over my childrens' heads for several months took priority over the midwife at that particular point in time) before, as well as had a bad, bad hospital experience where my child was basically kidnapped.  Until you've been in a sucky situation like that, you just won't know exactly how you're going to react.  And yes, I was flamed by so, so, so many people (except a few close friends who have experience with UC) at that time.  Yeah, well, we'd planned ahead for a rainy day and had savings and paid for cars and low bills we could afford on our budget, so we were in that middle-class place where help/assistance is little to non-existent so we only had our own brains and preparations to rely on.

If the OP is filing for bankruptcy, how exactly is she able to afford a $2-3K birth?  If she can afford a $2-3K birth, she should be putting that money towards debt and/or bills and utilizing the government assistance she has.  I wasn't aware that your reproductive organs weren't kept intact unless you were having a homebirth.  Please provide support for that statement.
 

[purslaine]

Originally Posted by Mulvah 

If the OP is filing for bankruptcy, how exactly is she able to afford a $2-3K birth?  If she can afford a $2-3K birth, she should be putting that money towards debt and/or bills and utilizing the government assistance she has.  

I think she intends to file for bankruptcy no matter what type of birth she has.  She will not have debt after bankruptcy.  

If, after she has filed for bankruptcy, she can afford the midwives fee and still pay her rent and buy food - I say why not?

Taking an objective view, 2000-3000$ is not a huge amount of money.  Whether she spends it or not will make very little difference to whether or not the OP has a pattern of financial issues in her life.  Not going with the birth providers you want, though, could lead to a host of emotional issues if things go awry.   

[abiyhayil]

We filed Chapter 13 almost 4 years ago. I talked with our mortgage company about a temporary payment plan while on maternity leave. I was told we could skip payments for three months and then enroll in a payment plan. We did the application in March 08 and were told numerous times that it was still processing. In August we were informed that our request was denied and we owed the elntire debt or we would be foreclosed on. A member of our church met with us and suggested bankruptcy. Our payment plan includes our past due mortgage and two cars. Credit card debt was forgiven and we were able to put our student loans in forbearance. The attourney was around 1500 I can't imagine going solo

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by kathymuggle 

I think she intends to file for bankruptcy no matter what type of birth she has.  She will not have debt after bankruptcy.  

If, after she has filed for bankruptcy, she can afford the midwives fee and still pay her rent and buy food - I say why not?

Taking an objective view, 2000-3000$ is not a huge amount of money.  Whether she spends it or not will make very little difference to whether or not the OP has a pattern of financial issues in her life.  Not going with the birth providers you want, though, could lead to a host of emotional issues if things go awry.  

You may say, objectively, $2-3K is "not a huge amount of money", but to people who have nothing, it is a handsome sum.  You know what else $2-3K is?  It's 10% of a 20K debt problem that, rather than pay down, the OP is looking to have wiped clean.  I have to say, objectively, $20K isn't a lot of money, either. 

It is pretty clear to me that she has had some bad luck in life (who hasn't?), but it's also very clear to me that she has issues with spending.  When you're looking to file for bankruptcy, making the decision to spend $2-3K on a birth that would be fully covered elsewhere is not only irresponsible, but shows that you have no understanding (and possibly no interest) in avoiding a similar situation in the future.  I'm sorry, a birth experience does not trump all and sometimes you (general) have to do without wants.  I could go on into further explanation about this, as I have pretty extensive experience with it, but I've already given my opinion on this and the OP has already stated she is looking into other Medicaid-covered options, which I fully respect.

[Imakcerka]

I'll be the first to admit that 20k in debt is easy to rack up quickly when you're in a tight spot.  It's never a good idea but it happens.  I've done it.  It sucked.  Though I understand still wanting to be able to have a birth, for you and and your child that is important.  I really hope things work out here OP. 
 

Originally Posted by Mulvah 

You may say, objectively, $2-3K is "not a huge amount of money", but to people who have nothing, it is a handsome sum.  You know what else $2-3K is?  It's 10% of a 20K debt problem that, rather than pay down, the OP is looking to have wiped clean.  I have to say, objectively, $20K isn't a lot of money, either. 

It is pretty clear to me that she has had some bad luck in life (who hasn't?), but it's also very clear to me that she has issues with spending.  When you're looking to file for bankruptcy, making the decision to spend $2-3K on a birth that would be fully covered elsewhere is not only irresponsible, but shows that you have no understanding (and possibly no interest) in avoiding a similar situation in the future.  I'm sorry, a birth experience does not trump all and sometimes you (general) have to do without wants.  I could go on into further explanation about this, as I have pretty extensive experience with it, but I've already given my opinion on this and the OP has already stated she is looking into other Medicaid-covered options, which I fully respect.

[WindyCityMom]

In other news, I just got a letter from IDES and my unemployment got denied.  Yay....

[purslaine]

Originally Posted by Mulvah 

You may say, objectively, $2-3K is "not a huge amount of money", but to people who have nothing, it is a handsome sum.  You know what else $2-3K is?  It's 10% of a 20K debt problem that, rather than pay down, the OP is looking to have wiped clean.  I have to say, objectively, $20K isn't a lot of money, either. 

It is pretty clear to me that she has had some bad luck in life (who hasn't?), but it's also very clear to me that she has issues with spending.  When you're looking to file for bankruptcy, making the decision to spend $2-3K on a birth that would be fully covered elsewhere is not only irresponsible, but shows that you have no understanding (and possibly no interest) in avoiding a similar situation in the future.  I'm sorry, a birth experience does not trump all and sometimes you (general) have to do without wants.  I could go on into further explanation about this, as I have pretty extensive experience with it, but I've already given my opinion on this and the OP has already stated she is looking into other Medicaid-covered options, which I fully respect.

Bolding mine.  I respect any way the OP decides to birth, including a medicaid covered birth.  I was simply saying that to me birth is a big enough thing that I would go into 2-3K in debt for it.  It is up to her to decide: 2-3k in debt or free care, but not with the people you want.  Each has pros and cons.

Italics also mine.  Paying down debt is only one aspect of financial management.  Saving is another (I get she is not there yet) as is prioritising what is important to you and spending money on it.  A birth with her chosen care provider might be a priority for her.  Should priorities go out the window because you are bankrupt?  As per whether or not a health decision is a need or a want, well according to Maslovs pyramid, it is about second rank up.  Not as essential as food, but hardly unimpotant.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

We may just have to agree to disagree.  I do not think it is inappropriate for some one in a state of bankruptcy to say "this is very important to me, I am going to budget for it and do it."  Indeed, successfully paying something off could be good for the OP.  I don't think values and priorities go out the window due to bankruptcy.  

 

Edited by purslaine - 2/10/12 at 1:38pm