All numbers are USD.
I had an infection in my liver and appendix and had that treated and appendix removed. The whole event took about a week. It took them ~4 months, but the bill is finally ready and it's actually 72,000 instead of the estimated 6,000. My payment plan of 166/mo is now 981/mo. And if I couldn't afford 400/mo for proper insurance I don't think I can afford 981. I'm applying for financial aid again since the bill amount has changed, but I'm wondering what I should do if I'm rejected again or I still have more left than I can actually pay for.
Do I let it go to collections? The hospital said they do not make payment plans for any less than what would be repaid in a 72 month period. How do I hear about people paying like $5/mo until death or until the debt just magically vanishes? Is that something you negotiate with collections? If so, is my best bet to ignore the hospital for however long until I'm contacted by a collection agency?
There is a small chance that my new 12X bill and employment change will cover 100% of the bill, but I want to be ready. I also don't want to go off of random assumptions and get in legal trouble. My future is in your hands, thanks.
--edit: Update - looks like I had supplemental insurance instead of ACA compliant health insurance. As someone living on their own, obviously I knew that at the time /s :(
--edit2: My plan of action is now...
- try financial aid
- if that fails, go to the billing department and try to negotiate (I want to pay, I just can't pay 981/mo)
- no matter what happens, call my insurance and have them reclaim that 5k so the hospital can apply the uninsured discount
- if all else fails, declare bankruptcy
Thanks everyone! I've got a plan now!
Submitted May 02, 2018 at 04:38PM by Tomnnn https://ift.tt/2rfZLEM
