Are there programs to help with or reimburse copays & deductibles?

[crunchy_mommy]

We are actually about to apply for state insurance but were not eligible until recently because my short-term disability payments put us just over the income limit. Now my disability has run out so we are eligible but it takes a month to kick in I believe.

I heard that sometimes state insurance will reimburse for the past 30 or 60 days sometimes? Or are there any other programs to help with coinsurance? I've faced ongoing health issues and most recently diagnosed with cancer and bills are thousands of dollars AFTER the already-unaffordable insurance premiums and copays! We were struggling before but now we're sinking. Part of me doesn't even care, I just want to make it through alive, but I am realizing I need to get on top of the financial situation before it gets any more out of control. If we pay the medical bills we won't be able to pay the mortgage. I'm not quite sure how to prioritize anymore.

[34me]

Talk to the hospital.  They often have "indigent care programs" which means they will write off a portion (or all) of your piece of the bill.  Also, I know that I've said it before but especially now with this, get the hospital social worker to help you apply for SSDI.  It would give you a small income and in a year (or 2 I can't remember) you would be medicare eligible regardless of age.

I hope you are doing well.

[Vaske]

Pay the mortgage first--you can declare bankruptcy later for the medical bills, if you need to.

[Vaske]

Adding:  I don't know of any programs that help with co-pays/co-insurance; bankruptcy is the only solution I know of for when these become absolutely unaffordable.  I do think that having a system for erasing all debt and getting a fresh start is an important part of a just financial system.

I hope you are taking advantage of medical expense deductions on your taxes!

[orangemomma]

crunchy_mommy: when my DH was diagnosed with cancer in 2001 - he had no insurance. The hospital helped him apply for state medicaid and it was retroactive for 30 days prior to the date it was issued. So it covered everything associated with his cancer.

This was 12 years ago - I hope it's still the same. Definitely talk with the financial folks at the hospital where you receive treatment. We also found the social workers that worked with my DH after his diagnosis to be very knowledgeable in regards to programs available for assistance.

I hope you find some financial assistance out there, it's hard enough being ill never mind figuring out how to pay for care! Hugs