Modest needs? UPDATE - Page 2

[Ruthla]

[whiddle]

Did you ever get around to getting a paypal account? If not, you can PM your addy- I'll send something in the mail.

[SleeplessMommy]

Originally Posted by sunnylady303

I can't imagine there is anywhere else to turn for help. but I'm certainly interested in ideas if anyone has any.

First, don't pay the utility bills. They can't cut off your utilities with a sick child (at least I hope they can't!) Anyway, you have some time (months) before they start that process. Call and tell them you will be paying late.

Don't pay the doctors. Ask for low monthly payment ($5). Tell them you are getting a 2nd job in January to cover the bills. Tell them you have applied for Medicaid, it is pending. For any RX, ask if they have a sample. I know you won't have to fake the tears. I am sorry.

Don't pay the mortgage. Sadly, it is the job of the mortgage company rep to try to bully you into paying. Repeat a simple, easy to understand story and explain what you are offering. You are not "negotiating" with them and they are not going to "agree" to what you are offering (they are not allowed to). You are just letting them know when they can expect to be paid. (I have made up the numbers in the example below)

"As you can see, I owed $800 on October 15th. I am calling to let you know I can't pay that due to a medical emergency involving my 2 year old child, which has cost me $3000 out of pocket. I am starting a new job in 4 weeks to increase my income. I am able to pay you $100 today and $400 on Nov. 30. I will make a full payment on schedule for December 15th."

I am not sure exactly what their time line is, but they can't send you to foreclosure for missing one payment. Realtytrac states that the foreclosure time line in KY is 6 months. Do, however, be sure to open and read any notices from the mortgage company. http://www.realtytrac.com/foreclosur...osure-laws.asp
You can get specific advice from any local (free) legal aid service.

If you can find free legal aid, you might ask them to intervene 1) with your insurance denials and 2) with Medicaid. While the private insurance company has told you in no uncertain terms that they won't cover your daughter's fungal infection, it sounds like a "gray area" to me. If the insurance company can be made to reverse their decision, they will end up paying retroactively for the hospitalizations and treatment. A few friendly words from a law student might be enough to change their mind.

My opinion:
1) Your first priority is to help your daughter get better. Put meds on a credit card if you have to. Focus on taking care of her.
2) Your next priority is Medicaid. Medicaid for your daughter will fix all of your financial problems. Have you applied and been denied? Or is the application pending? From your home or the hospital, call your state representative, local congressional office, senate office, American Lung Association, free legal aid, etc. Keep your story simple and easy to understand. "My daughter has a life threatening lung condition resulting in 36 days of hospitalization this year, 62 doctors visits and $4579 in medications. Her application has been denied by Medicaid and I need your help to change this." Get their email addy, and follow up with an email where you include a few more details (like your annual income).

Best wishes, sleeplessMommy

[SleeplessMommy]

Oh yeah - when you pay your taxes for 08, you will have a massive medical expense deduction (and maybe deductions from the loss of household items due to the mold?) Get someone good to do the taxes and hopefully there will be a refund there for you.

Ask for tax professional for advise on your withholding status for 09. (A pastor I knew, for example, asked for a $35K "housing allowance" in her high cost of living area, for tax purposes. Her actual "salary" was very small, her benefits package very big. )

[Treasuremapper]

Have you investigated the incredible stuff the federal government is doing now for people who are behind in their mortgages? They allow 40 years to pay off the loan, reduce interest to 3%, and other things to help prevent foreclosures. I think you need to call your reps in federal govt to get the ball rolling to find out what you can do.