I thought that as long as you were making payments every month, they couldn't come after you. :O

We can't afford to make the payments, we can barely afford to keep our lights on. :(

Ask if they will be ok with a payment plan. Even 10 bucks a month will show you aren't renigging on the amount you owe..

They may drop the case if you do..

We are going to call them tomorrow to ask.

God I feel like such a looser >_<

This happens all the time, especially with the economy like it is. Don't beat yourself up over it. I used to work in a billing department and honestly even we think some of the prices are ridiculous. We have to ask an exorbitant amount of money, since the insurance company usually pays such a small fraction of it.. then when there is no insurance, the patient pays a sickening amount because of it..

Actually.. I believe by law, as long as you make an effort to pay something, even if it's not as much as they want, they HAVE to accept it. If not, then their not willing and void out the payment needed. At least from what I heard, they cant sue as long as you toss an offer, even if it's like $5 or something. They refuse, then they cant sue. It'd be good to read up on that though x.x I'll see if I got anything in my Paypal besides digital lint :c

~N~

By law, you are required to pay the full sum in it's entiriety to have even possibility of a complaint, this is, of course, unless the sum is entirely silly... as the sum seems to anyone living in a country with a civilized way of handling medical issues.

Hrm, well yeah, but I heard they cant sue long as you make an attempt to pay it. They can tag on all the interest and fees they want, but they cant sue as long as you make even a few dollars of a payment, long as you also have some sort of hardship financially. Show's 'good faith' on the attempt to pay it.

~N~

Explain your situation and say that when things are better you'll be able to pay more. Most hospital billing departments are very understanding, especially with the economy like it it.

Also, not to pry, but how is this costing 2000+ dollars for an emergency room visit? I had the same thing happen this month, and it was less than 300(before my insurance got to it) even with a battery of tests and 4 hours on fluids and under observation. Have you requested an itemized bill showing the services rendered and their cost?.. was there an ambulance involved?

As I said, I don't mean to pry, only trying to help.

He had a retarded amount of tests done including an MRI... not sure if that makes up most of the costs or not

Why the F*** did he get an MRI!?

I don't know... but the contrast they made him drink made him throw up more @_@

Ah! Contrast, that would be a CT scan, not an MRI. But what I said still stands, CTs are PRICEY!

yeah >_< ugh... I have gotten allot of good advice from people though

I've been reading through it, and there is alot of good advice, at least from what I hear from my patients. I actually nurse in an ER, I don't deal with billing so I don't know the full process. Half the time, i don't know how much the tests we run cost, I just know what they help identify or rule out. I know if I have a patient that comes in for severe abdominal pain we have the following protocols (and to start off, I am a nurse, I don't just play one in Second Life ;p),

Before the patient even sees the doctor, we start a large bore IV (18g in the elbow) in case CT contrast media is used, as well as ready access to pull blood for labs - much easier on the patient instead of poking them time and time again in case the doctor orders additional lab work, or blood cells break apart in the tube before they can be processed etc. We do at least seven tests right off from the start. Additionally, we'll do what's called an Acute Abdominal Series, which is a 3 shot xray series. Depending on how strongly we suspect an api, we may or may not order that and go directly to a CT. Now, with the contrast, oral contrast is given in doses over a set period of time to ensure the entire intestinal tract has contrast in it. what this does, is ligtt up the organs like Christmas when they are irradiated by the CT. We will focus the scan on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen and check for abnormalities.

Sadly, with as expensive as a CT is (which I was only recently informed by another patient about a month ago) it's the best way to detect if an appendix is inflamed. There are cheaper ways, but they are not as certain. A CT is preferred, hands down. It's a basic practice in emergency medicine for patients presenting to the ER with these symptoms. A CT is quick and accurate, I've seen it be the deciding factor in patients that either went into emergency surgery, or were treated with oral antibiotics.

Considering the oral contrast was vomited back up, and depending on how long it's been since a bowel movement, they may have done tests to rule out a Small Bowel Obstruction. But, from what I read in your post, this pain came on very quickly which isn't really conducive to an SBO.

I recall an old Garfield cartoon where John is writhing in bed, complaigning of his stomach pain and it wakes Odie. Odie can't get Johns attention for whatever reason, so dials 911. They respond to his barking and get an ambulance to take John to the hospital. I don't recall exactly what he said to Odie at the hospital, but I know it was along the lines of saving his life.

An api isn't something to be taken lightly. it's painful, very painful. If the pain was intense, then suddenly went away or became just tender all of a sudden - the appendix could have burst and you can get what's called sepsis. In a simple term, blood poisoning by a monumental infection.

You did right getting him to the hospital. Kudos to your quick thinking and actions. I can't offer actual medical advice, only explain processes because I don't have face time with the patient to access their symptoms. So if you have any questions or concerns about what happened, please feel free to message me.

If anything that's a sure sign that an MRI would be a waste of both time and money...

That stuff is fucking awful. Thought I had appendicitis one time and they made me drink it too! I kept telling them I can't drink any more. I can't drink any more! And surprise surprise.. I threw it up and there was even LESS in my system then if they had just LISTENED to me...

Most doctors/nurses seem to ignore the patients "professional opinion" about their own bodies, they seem to think that the patient exaggerate a lot...

Are you sure the hospital didn't do all this just to make money from you or the insurer ?

Sounds like a bad case of medical fraud to me c..c

A CT is the best way of ruleing out appendicitis, which can present as a really bad stomach flu due to the pain/cramping/etc

Curious. When I went into hospital with appendicitis symptoms, the consultant's main diagnostic test was to stick his finger up my arse. I screamed with pain, and that appeared to satisfy his medical curiosity. Total cost: five minutes and a rubber glove. But that was in a British hospital.

There are far cheaper ways of ruling out the appendix...

Ultrasound.. not always accurate depending on just how far along it is. The press test, can only help in identification. A CT is a solid identifier, very commonly used to diagnose an api. It's the preferred method.

Ultrasound is not as accurate but it is a lot cheaper and a better choice unless the doctor consider the situation critical.

The fact that CT have become standard practice is because of greed and laziness. It's the same with what medication the doctors prescribe, always the most expensive alternatives because they or the hospital gets paid for doing so. They use the expensive equipment to justify the purchase of it.

P.S. I have consulted medical personal on the part about ruling out/confirming an inflamed appendix AND my kid-brother had his appendix removed a few months back and I know what was done then.

"Ultrasound is not as accurate but it is a lot cheaper and a better choice unless the doctor consider the situation critical."

I'd have to say that the situation was considered critical, since it was done. Neither of us were there for the hospital visit so clearly, at least to me, this is the obvious answer.

The fact that CT have become standard practice is because of greed and laziness. It's the same with what medication the doctors prescribe, always the most expensive alternatives because they or the hospital gets paid for doing so. They use the expensive equipment to justify the purchase of it.

As far as greed and laziness? My hospital provides flat rate medical coverage to our patients; if they come to the er, need surgery, hospitalizations, a boat load of medications etc. If other facilities do it because of "greed and laziness", then that is indeed bad on their part. But I stand by my doctors decisions each time they request a CT to be performed to rule out an api.

While graded compression sonography is over 90% accurate when done correctly, if the patient presents in too much pain for applicable compression, go with the CT. If a patient presents with severe pain, why put them through additional pain to diagnose their problem?

Additionally, we do not supply "brand name" medications if there is a generic version available simply because of costs. If the patient requests the brand name, they will either have a co-pay for that visit, or be given a hand written script to take to a pharmacy of their choosing and pay whatever fees/prices are associated with it.

"P.S. I have consulted medical personal on the part about ruling out/confirming an inflamed appendix AND my kid-brother had his appendix removed a few months back and I know what was done then."

It's good to hear that someone is educating, or had educated, themselves on a topic; however, each facility runs differently. Different protocols are in place at different hospitals. There will always be variances in diagnosis and treatment because medicine is a practice.

If the facility had the ability (technological, staff, and experience level) to perform an US to help diagnose this problem and instead went with a CT, then they could be in the wrong; but, it's neither your nor my place to state such. That would be for a medical review board or consultant to decide after staff interviews and a chart audit.

I read through it and i agree with what you have said. Even in the military practices differ from hospital to hospital. and from doctor to doctor even. when i was working at the clinic that takes care of those in boot camp (staff and recruits) i saw multiple people for shin splints and stress fractures. depending on the doctor they were diagnosed in different ways. one doctor pretty much wanted x-rays for everything where another diagnosed through RoM and Strength and pain tests. ER practices differ just as easily from hospital to hospital. one ER may have the capability to do something another cannot because of size and other things. CT scans are preffered in many cases depending on case by case situations and local protocol. One of the first things we learned as Hospital Corpsman was that you learn general procedures. then when you go to a different facility you learn how they do things. then when you go to a different facility they may have a completely different way for doing the same procedure.

But still, there should be SOME consideration to the final bill as a lot of people don't have an insurance/insufficient insurance and some have a insurance company that would complain about some part of the bill that they wont pay for because they consider it redundant or something...

So a hospital should check in with the patients insurance provider to see what's covered and what tests they can perform that could have quality, or quantity of life implications? I don't see that happening.

Insurance companies are going to find ways to not pay out money, don't blame that fact on the hospital. But, from what I've seen..

Most doctors/nurses seem to ignore the patients "professional opinion" about their own bodies, they seem to think that the patient exaggerate a lot...

You already have a very firm belief about the health care system. I was hoping to educate in some sense, but I don't think there is any point to it anymore.

Pinkuh; I'm sorry to turn your original entry into a near cesspool of 'back and forths'. I wish you the best in this crap situation. Just keep your head up, thankfully with medical bills there are lots of ways to stay above water. Best of luck to you!

I just meant that they should think a bit more economically, because economical and life-saving isn't mutually exclusive...

I can relate to that, yet they only done a regular x-ray, my appendix was hurting for about a week O.o... I'm lucky to b alive right now ^_^

MRI is a majority of the cost, yes.

House has to pay for his Vicodin somehow.

That's the best answer I've heard so far!

I work for an insurance company and it doesn't surprise me that an ER bill was over 2k, in fact since he had a bunch of tests, I'm surprised it was ONLY 2k, I've seen it where an infant was seen at the ER for a high fever, was given a t-spoon of liquid tylenol and had vitals checked and that was it, mom was charged 1900$. Whats really sad about this is the fact a lot of hospitals/facilities/doctors charge such a large amount but only have a certain $$ amount they agree to get paid by the insurance, the remaining amount gets written off, they do that because it gives them a bigger tax break. Kind of sad isnt it?

I used to do medical billing for a small outsource in Maine, I know how insane prices can be, and the exact situation you described is not surprising to me. That said infant care seems especially expensive. I think those big write offs are ridiculous, since they lead to situations like the above, where the patient is paying a ridiculous amount.

I know and its really sad :( personally if it were me, I avoid all ERs at all costs unless I broke my leg or something or having a heart attack, and I say this mainly because what I see on a daily basis. If its something that can be handled at an Urgent care, I'll use the Urgent care first, much much cheaper.

Yes, it is. The state of emergency rooms is appalling, and everyone is to blame in some way, I think.

It isn't all the prices of emergency rooms either. Theres one around here thats downright anal about regulations and it's impossible to get into... I had an asthma attack just before last summer and could barely breathe and they made us wait outside in the car for almost a half an hour before they would even let us in the building... Because for some unfathomable reason they believe that nobody needs emergency care after 11PM and thus close the whole building. Another seperate time I was left gasping for air int he waiting room while people with cuts that admittedly would need stitches but wouldn't bleed out were taken ahead of me. Eventualy I passed out and THEN they brought me in.

Worst one though was they had to send me by ambulence to the IWK childrens hospital when iw as 14 because they gave me the wrong dosage of the wrong medication and nearly killed me... I was in the hospital for 4 days.

I guess it really depends on the hospital. I took a friend to the emergency room recently, and the BASE PRICE (i.e. the amount they charge for just GOING to the emergency room, not including any other services) was over $2,000. Add on about 4 hours in a room with 1 basic fluid drip, 1 dose of activated charcoal, and a few tests, and the total bill came out to over $3,500. This is for someone without insurance and with a $700/month job who already owes over $800 in bills every month.

I don't know why your hospital only charges 1/10th of ours, but I wish I could find one like that. :P

On the plus side, the hospital APPEARS to have a generous charity policy and we might be able to get the bill completely dropped. We'll still going through the paperwork.

My mother had a tumor removed recently.
They had her practically on lockdown, did dozens and dozens of tests (which she NEVER got results back for but they charged her anyway) and the nursing was absolutely atrocious; wouldn't even refill her cup of tea.

The medical industry in this country needs to be strapped down on a bed and clobbered with socks filled with medical soap. Or enema bags full of barium.

In any case, so long as you're paying 10-15 dollars a month, the most you can have happen to you are angry, scolding phone calls full of vitriol. They can't make you pay if you don't have the money.
And I mean this. If they take you to court and you explain you just plain don't have the finances to pay the absurd bills off right now, the judge will choke the company representative with his gavel.

It serves justice to nobody to threaten jail time or legal fees to people too poor to pay their medical bills.
Don't let them intimidate you. Just send them what you can pay, every month.

You are not a loser.

And so it begins.......

I wouldnt worry about it to much...

Ive been sued for medical bills several times for amounts in the tens of thousands.

This is a commen scare tactic they use,and it gets people all like OMGWTF!

Pay atleast 20 a month,explain teh situation and if you do get as far as the judge they will just ask how much you can pay and you say 5-10 20 a month or whatever...

I can't spare any money, but I can say that legally as long as you pay just $5 a month they can't take you to claims court.

Is that really true? Mmm I wonder why they didnt reply to this comment

the hospitals and collection agencies won't tell you, but it's a federal law I know that states as long as you pay $5 into your bill a month, it shows your intent to pay and as such they can't sue you or go to collections, and of course if they do the judge should just ask how much your able to pay and have you and the hospital collection agency reach an agreement.

My ex used to have lots of bills, this is how we too care of them.

Yeah, I did this for bills I had when I had no health insurance. They can't say shit as long as you ARE paying them, even if it's only 5. They won't like it, but they can't refuse it. Atleast, here in Ohio it's that way.

I'm STILL wondering why she hasn't replied to this.

This seems like a more honest approach to the ordeal rather than just outright begging for money.

This. :/ Sadly.

well I guess its better with a bunch of people helping to pay off a 2000$ bill all at once than dealing with it yourself a little at a time, tho I would think that is how most people deal with their big bills.... big bills seem common right now..

I'd like to note, that my original comment was simply meant to help, I wanted to help you see that their was a way to keep the assholes off your ass, not to say that asking for help as well was bad in any way.

I understand, but every other person is dealing with something bad that has to do with money, out of people who need help because they are going to loose the place they live and can barely afford to eat VS people with backed up medical bills.. Id rather help the first. Its called priorities, I don't think medical bills are top on the list.

I did the same thing, I broke both my legs a couple years back and had no insurance...

THIS. God. I had $11,000 in medical bills. I didn't become a fucking beggar.

I can't donate, but if it helps, I can throw you a plug in my journal

Need a plug?

Anything will help

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/759297/

Hope you get everything situated.

Thank you soooo much

What's a plug...?

Passing along a information generally in your journal or blog. I posted a link to this journal in my own journal so more people would be aware of it.

And then you have that "Conservatives for Patients Rights" trying to tell us having government run health care is worse than having none at all. They always present corner cases and exception as opposed to the millions and millions of people who get top quality medical care under the same systems. I'd love to know who is funding them, because I bet you it's like multi-millionaire doctors since even insurance companies and the AMA are saying something needs to be done.

*smells mainstream media bias brainwashing*

*agrees with Mako on this*

You're so fucking full of shit there's no longer any space for brain. Learn to cope with alternative opinions, fuckwit.

(Yes. I know there's no excuse for comments like this. But I've just had it up to the eyeballs with people who can't be arsed to make the minimal intellectual effort to encompass sociopolitical opinions that differ from their own. I live on a continent where 300,000,000 people get state-sponsored healthcare. Yes, there are trade-offs of efficiency and taxation, and I warmly invite you to intelligently disagree with them. But if you just write the whole issue of as "brainwashing" then YOU are the one who's forgotten how to think.)

That's what gets me riled too, especially as I live in a country with a government-run health system (that also has a mostly non-profit private health system off to the side) and can see though their bullshit first hand. I especially get pissed with those who loftily pronounce that 'all' you need is health insurance and if you can't afford to pay for it you're a lazy bum who wants to leech off the state... I'm damned sure Pinkuh isn't in this category!

Um hun, for once conservatives are telling the truth. Look at the health care that is given to people of places like England and Canada. You know the cliche' that British people have bad teeth? That's the reason. The care is spread so thin that if you have to have a medical procedure that is life or death you may have to wait in line for it for months and may never get it because you might be dead by the time it's your turn. It may be free but it is not worth having health care that's so sub par. The only good thing is medication can sometimes be obtained without a prescription. It still costs my family nearly $300 to get my special medicine from a Canadian or British pharmacy.

So being forced into bankruptcy and having your life ruined is better than government run health care?

Depends. Would you rather be bankrupt and tumor-free or dead of a tumor for free?

Yes, because successful surgery and universal health care are mutually exclusive.

Even with the best insurance and the most capitalistic health care system in existence, cancer treatment doesn't always 'take'. People with great insurance in the states still die all the time from cancer, and people bounce back from cancer all the time in countries with universal health care.

And, funny, how come people in those nations live longer, have lower infant mortality and generally live healthier lives than Americans do? Couldn't be the fact they have free access to health care. Nothing to do with that at all.

The reason for the bad teeth stereotype is because dental ISN'T covered by their universal health care.

Plenty of Americans have fucked up teeth as well. There's certainly a media bias that attempts to portray the British as having nasty teeth and Americans as having a 'hollywood smile'.

Keep in mind that your healthcare system is only as powerful as you can afford to make it. Those in the US who cannot afford the health care don't get access to that 'superior' health care, and would certainly be better off with the hypothetical 'sub par' healthcare.

I suggest the documentary called sicko by michal moore. It is a very enlightening documentary.

Are you seriously using Michael Moore to positively back up an argument? That's the equivalent of using Rush Limbaugh to back up a right wing point of view... Their both so extremist for their own side and views that they manipulate anyone they interview and any info they can get to make their point seem more reasonable 8|;;

It just showing one side, you take a grain of salt with things. I no I am not to back it up. I am just pointing it out as one aspect of it. Every one is entitled to their own opinion.

Sicko...really? Enlightening...

I lul'd

It's one of the few things I've watched on my free Showtime package...lol

It is an interesting movie.

They're messing with your head. Telephone companies and hospital have been after my parents for years.

This might sound stupid and unneccesary, but: how can anyone sue you if you don't have a job?

It's an intimidation tactic.

Well, yes, I know. But I don't know their situation, or if one of them has a job still. But yeah. No employment, no garnishment. Simple as that. I'm dealing with some scumbags of my own right now.

And as soon as I started exercising my FDCPA rights? That shut 'em up.

Precisely.

I'd be happy to help but I don't bid on auctions. Good luck!

Hrm, I agree, this all just sounds like a scare tactic.

I hope you can work out a payment plan with them! The last time something similar happened to me I was able to pay $20 a month without any interest until I found work again.

We are gonna call them ASAP

it really doesn't help that it has been rocky and I am totally panicky about this kinda stuff.

((HUG)) We'll all get through this shitty time together.

moo.

duo send me some free money plz kthx

BAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW PINKUH SLAPPED MY HAND AND NOW I TRULL HER LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!

pinkuh is a poor admin in the chatrooms and her banning of me proved it to everyone. bitch needs to KNOW

:|

you was banned cause of your harassment chuckle fuck, you still harass her for your just banning, I was there, you even tried trolling me with your crap cause I found it funny.

Brush up on your trolling dictionary please, and come back another day.

yea your prolly right *changes IP address*

LOL IP change=ban evade= perma ban.


you suck at this :(.

I also thought the worst they could do was send it to a collections agency. That's what happened to me before.

Regardless, I'll note my friends at the  anti-drama_llama_movement to see if they can get some help your way and spread the word.

It'll be in our spotlight too at  ADLM_Daily_Spotlight

Take care now.

~Otaku-Man

Maybe it depends on the state or hospital, cuz I was wondering the same thing. I have 2000 in back medical bills that went to collection agency but even then it wasnt bad, they dont really bother with it except like one piece of mail once every couple months. But this was many years ago and in 2010 the bills will disappear off my credit so Im waiting it out.. perhaps they should do the same

Hmm... I dunno. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

~Otaku-Man

ill see what i can do to help

I hope something works out for you. I know how persistant medical bills can get. We got so many.

Pay 10-15$ a month like the others have been saying and they will usually leave you alone. Just call and work it out w/ them.

Yeah... gonna call them tomorrow.

http://www.survivorshipatoz.org/sub.php?aid=794

This might be useful.

Never take it on the chin from bill collectors. Know your rights and take advantage of your options. No matter what happens, remember that YOU are in control.

Canadian health care system= win
Other than that, hope you get all this sorted out for yourself Pinkuh.
My best wishes are with you.

I can't send much, but I'll pay pal you a bit of money. We furs have to look out for one another after all.

I wish I could help you out, I really do. I know what it's like to be in debt to the hospital, as well. Hell, I've got an extra ten grand on top of what you've got to pay off of my own debts.

I had this same thing happen to me. Went it had tons of tests donw just to say I had the flu, and my bill came out lik 3k easy. But I just paod em 10 a month and they were fine with it.

Oh shit jesus wept. It's like a wave of bad luck to see happening to the furs at once. You're one of like 4 separate artists that are in a condition similar to that you and your hubbie are in. Holy crap it's impossible to help everyone at once...unless its in small amounts.

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/751211/ <---one artist that needs help for example.

Yeah, that's an unfortunate problem with the healthcare system is that it hurts honest people who sometimes cannot pay. We're working hard to change it so nobody gets fucked, but this takes time.

As a provider, I sympathize completely. Those pencil-pushing insurance people don't care about anyone but themselves and their money. God help the bureaucrat who tells me I cannot treat a patient for financial reasons!

with all the money goin about as it is, theres going to be some part of the bailout you can use

Shit, theres, NO OFFENCE TO ANYONE THAT READS THIS UNLESS YOU FALL IN THIS CATEGORY, tons of white trash and freeloafing black trash ( seriously dunt know the other term for that besides the N one and not doin that) that have gotten a piece of the bailout to just do nothing and be taken care of

Hey Pink :P posted a journal telling people about the situation aand gave em a link to here. I really hope things workout bud :c

first your not a loser people get in over their heads and right now its going on all over

the debt collectors have gone freaking insane with suits (we got hit too and only via refinancing the house could we get free of the wage garnishments) they refused payments being royal dicks they collected tiny amounts and made them into one huge amount the smallest they found was .96 cents! on a water bill at our old rental house!!

its due to the economic down turn theyre snatching and grabbing at any buck they can get! before people dont have a dime and judges start refusing them the cases

they cant put you into a further worse situation the law guarantees that DEFINITELY go to the hearing (if it gets to that) and bring your current pay stubs utilities rent car insurance & payments (all money going out and bank ballences) the judge will figure up a budget if your funds allow payments he will set that if not then he will tell them they have to wait till you get more money and award them interest and fees

this isnt meant to hurt but inform ya so you dont panic you can plan ahead just incase the fandom cant pull it out

ill post a help journal for ya HUGS i hope things get better

That was to say $10 or $25 a month.

Oops. Sorry. *blushes*

s'okay

Thanks.

PS: Good advice there, but isnt what you mention bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy may be a good option, but only under some conditions, you really have to be careful with that, and think ahead more than in the now.

no bankruptcy is telling the world your done and cant do it but there are massive penalties for going bankruptcy even STARTING the process sticks on your record like the plauge for 10 years in some cases like trying to get a home up to 15

bankruptcy should be a course of last resort and it dosent get rid of all the debts it also gives the court the option to seize and sell things you own which might be considered luxury items (the definition varies depending on the state and local area) to satisfy the debts anyhow

Perhaps that's the case with chapter 7, but I have some experience with chapter 13 and in that case the judge consolidates your debts and work out a payment plan that they determine you can afford, and nothing is seized or has to be sold back. At least not in the case of my ex-wife and I. I think there was a possibility that the judge could have looked at our situation and determined that we needed to, say, give one of the cars back to the bank, according to our attorney anyways, because they may have thought that it was an exuberant expense, and it would have been "in our best interest" to relieve ourselves of that debt. But our situation showed that it would not have been in our best interest to do that at the time. Unfortunately shortly after that it was, and we ended up scaring our credit worse, because if we would have done it at the point of the bankruptcy it wouldn't have taken so much of a toll, if any on our credit.

As I mentioned in my response to Pink, when it comes to considering bankruptcy options, its something that definitely begs doing a lot of homework. I think your option, especially considering that a judge is involved somehow, if it isn't bankruptcy is something that would require a lot of thinking out too. You did remind me of something else though, that would require some heavy thinking as well, but to shop around for an institution or agency that will consolidate your dept outside the scope of a court or requiring the assistance of a lawyer. I'm not to sure about these businesses though, but it seems I've seen even state or federally funded programs offering this service. Its at least another option to look into when getting all the cards out on the table and planning a strategy to get things on the right track as soon as possible.

I cant donate right now or I so would.

State of Wisconsin has a minimum payment that you can pay, especially concerning medical, which is like around $10 or $25, I cant remember, and they cant take you to court. Even if its lower than what they say over the phone. The trick here is not to agree to any payment plan they say, unless its around $10 a month, until you can get gainful income again. If they say $50 or $100 is the minimum they can accept dont believe them and dont agree, because then it is a legal contract and they can hold you to it. After that the only thing they can do there to pressure you into paying is threatening to report it to your credit and wack things out there.

And if worse comes to worse you may want to discuss a bankrupcy option with your spouse. If your credit is fairly good, you may want to try to avoid this as much as possible, but if the hospital reporting minimum payment to the credit bureau will lower your credit into bad, or if its already there (dont use free credit report dot come to find out either) and it wont be some time that it will be good again, bankruptcy may be a viable option. Jus do your homework to see if Chapter 13 or 7 is better for you. It may seem odd, but in more cases than not Chapter 7 is best for you to recover. For instance my wife and I thought the more honest option was 13, but we found out fast that it would have been better to do 7. Seven wipes your debts, so you no longer have any, thirteen consolidates them, and they still exist until moneys are allocated and they are paid off, it just protects you from legal action being taken by your debtors.

I'm rootin for you in the donation field, and you're in my thoughts and prayers as far as everything working out for the better.

That was to say $10 or $25 a month.

I'll pray for ya.

Wow. I'm sorry to hear such things. I really hope you guys can pull through during this.

wow. I havent been to the doctor since 1995.

:/ whenever I'm sick, I shrug it off.

:D I also eat out of the trash.

I know how it feels being jobless...
and homeless.. ..

You know, I'm hearing more and more about people eatting out of trashcans. Even people who can afford to shop in stores and stuff, still eat out of them. They say some of the stuff they find is a lot better then you would imagine.

Good luck with that, Btw. =(

the key is to know when they put the good stuff in. Grocery stores are the best, they throw away pre-packaged food that's just fine... and vegetables in bags.. X3

good luck with your medical bills! I can barely afford my community college tuition..

All I can really do is say "Good luck" sry =(

That's terrible news. I wish you the best.

I had a bit left over from my last commission. Ain't much, but your more then welcome to it. *sent*

~N~

You will be in my prayers.

I almost feel like an ass for sending such a small amount, but I sent three bucks (all I had) your way on paypal...

Also, like everyone else has said, if you can send them even a tiny amount per month, they MUST accept it... My mother is sicky, I know my way around shit like this.

Either way, even if I'm not familiar with your work, I've been in this spot before. You have a friend in Ceeb.

It doesn't matter the ammount. Really it doesn't, just that you thought to help at all means allot :)

Well if there's any way I can help you, at least to ease your mind, lemme know. =/

Sent some monies to your paypal hunni. I hopes it helps~ <3333 I wish you and your husband the best of luck!

i really hope that everything will turn out fine for you! =(

Plugged you dear, I hope it helps. Really wish I could pitch in. :c

I wish you the best of luck sorting this all out. I'm crossing my fingers for you. <3 *huggles*

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/759745/

oh dear. this is serious. I'll make a get help Journal right away Pinkuh. terribly sorry about this. is there any way you can file a counter suit against them.

One of the many reasons I hate doctors. You pay a high price for people who don't seem to know jack shit. I REALLY wish I could do something to help, but I don't even have a job.

i can't afford anything or i'd donate something... i hate to see people in need and not be able to help...

Dammit, the hospitals are really good about this kinda thing. I might be telling you something you know, but just in case--find out if you can be a charity case at the hospital since your income sucks. Seriously, they may cut that bill by 75% or more.

I can't donate, got my own medical bills to pay (both my own, my husband's and my son's) and I am having to do the "Pay 5 dollars" trick to keep them legally off our asses. However I hope that at least I can get an update on things as they progress.

I'll see what I can do from here.

Sorry about this...but, all i can say is good luck =(

I honestly think you can wiggle out of any legal entanglements here, because as the consensus has pointed out, there's really not a case here. I agree with the people saying you should pay a little each month - as long as you are showing a proven, recorded effort towards settling your bill, NO legal team in the world can do a thing to you. ^_^

But still, let's see if we can get a little money your way in any event. It's nice to know you cannot be sued, but now the problem is how to get the money to get by.

I wish I could help more. ^_^

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/759952/

BEST WISHES FOR HELP SOON!

With everyones help we will be able to lay out a sizeable chunk for them to take as a down payment of sorts. Everyone's advice has been absolutly fantastic... I was really in apanic... but allot of people have talked to me now and I realize that there are other steps I can take...

Thank you so much.

I'm being sued too, hon. An old Spiegel account that was actually PAID OFF four years ago, and some renegade collection agency has decided to go after me anyway.

I'll gladly see them in court though. I look forward to it. I just don't let anyone strong-arm me. Sounds like your talks and phone calls with other people have certainly eased your mind a bit.

That's just how we are, I guess. We panic for a bit, then when we talk things out we realize it's not so bad. ^_^

Wow sometimes I'm glad of Spain's social health care, 2300$ for an emergency is just plain bullshit

This is terrible, I agree with many of the commenters though, if you show that you are willing to pay just a few dollars a month they’ll back off. Sucks though, I’ve had this happen to me, right when things get economically shitty, mysterious medical bills come creeping out of the woodwork. I hope you can get it all worked out.

with the help of everyone here we will be able to pay a good chunk of it off and set up a payment sytem

I sent you some.

I don't have a lot of money right now either, but I sent you a little bit. I hope it helps some and good luck with everything

I also plugged you in my journal, hope it helps some!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/760058/

Just sent you some and I'll be sending more when I can.

wait, when did you visit the hospital? did you have coverage at that time? if so, bring in the proof that you had coverage and made sure it was claimed properly and the judge should throw their case out... basically, afaik if you can prove due dilligence in getting it resolved while you had coverage, you shouldn't ahve to be brought up on a suit.

Didn't have insurance at the time

Seriously, good luck, I'm sending good wishes.

We've had this threat done to us a couple times, its total scare tactic. Pay the bare minimum, they will be mad, but they can stick it where the sun don't shine. =P

Also, I wish Hilary Clinton could have got us social health insurance, like canada. =( We can't afford these things anymore, I can't wait for the USA to flip back to normal. =)

Have you thought about cutting back costs? Such as disconnecting the internet, cheaper food, or even cutting off your power, I've known someone who had to do all three and surprisingly it's NOT THAT BAD!

People forget that they don't NEED certain things which they through countless dollars on, self discipline is important in cases like these.

But are you seriously telling someone who was laid off, can no longer pay medical insurance, and whose husband is in serious need of medical care to "cut back on their extravagant lifestyle?"

Self discipline is important yes, but when you find yourself in this position -now is not the time to lecture on good spending habits. I know what you're trying to say, but they're already being called into court.

Pinkuh -I love your work, and just bought a rather large commission myself. I'll be sure to send some money your way though paypal.

We started cutting costs back when I got laid off

I need the internet becuase what little money I do earn requires me to have net access in order to do (commission artist)

We already buy crap food, and again without power I can't earn what little I do. so I am kinda stuck.

...
File for bankruptcy! :D
No...Don't do that.
If you know a rather GOOD lawyer, like Bobby Sands (If you live in Vermont...Which is doubtful), you can always counter-litigate them.
Haaaa, but that lawyer would have to be pretty good at BS'ing. Although, depending on the hospital, they might have some of the best lawyers already on salary.









--Note, these comments are not to be taken seriously.

I really don't have much money to give (I'm scrimping and saving for uber-high car insurance and summer cons right now) but I'm giving you a plug in my journal and I will send something along, even if it's not much.

Here's to hoping that everything gets better post haste. :/ Hang in there.

It's honestly getting better fast O_O

Hehe. Well... Good, then. Very good. :3 I haven't been here /too/ long but it seems as though the people here have big hearts -- a very noble trait.

Pinkuh, sent you a little something through paypal. I'd still LOVE to watch you draw in an OC session. I'd definitely pay for that. It dosen't even have to be anything complicated and if you could just draw one of your charaters ...well okay maybe topless....but that's the extent. Keep me posted if you'd like to work something out!!

I'll find what I can for ya. I'll ask a few favors and see what I can possibly dig up for ya, ya dig?

-The Colonel

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/760794/

Journal Posted :3

I feel for ya...I will enlist the help my popcorn support group to help in some way. Good luck! ;p

Wish I could help, but as a college student, money is tight

I guess the one thing i can do is Pray for ya

Have Faith, you will pull through this one way or another

Being in a very similar position (financially, thankfully not legally..) I can only wish you luck, but I do wish you luck. It looks like folks are trying to help from your auction link, which is good.. =) Those ER visits without insurance are horrible. I couldn't (still can't) afford insurance and went one time, all it was was 6 hours and lots of IV fluid, and I think an x-ray. That's all it was, and was roughly $2000. Took me over two years to pay it on the $6-$10/h jobs I could get. Now I've been jobless for half a year and just had $2400 in car repairs. Good times. =P

Anyway, lacking money to offer, I shall donate my thoughts and wishes along with the other poor blokes. =P

I've sent you 7$, it's not much but I hope it helps towards the goal.
Best of luck from Austria (Europe)!

My sympathies, Pinkuh. The lack of socialized medicine screws so many Americans over.

The local hospital here recently came after a co-worker of mine for a 3K medical bill from like, four years ago. He fought it in court who ended up putting him on a $25/month payment plan because of his income.

You guy's will make it through this! I'll be sure to donate a little with my next paycheck.

well
seems we got tadadadammm a bit of.......
CAPITALISM!!!!!!!!
this is whaat happens in capitalism
people who are poor get 'poorer' and people who are rich get wealthier(i know my english sucks)
well i think that if you realy had no other choice and are threatend to go to jail...
you can always go to cuba and ask for an asylum...(only as the very extreme last resort)
the other thing is what i did when i had no house and nothing more than my guitar was
go play on the street for money (i could sleep in hotels for that money)
but then i got a job at the music school and am getting my life back together.....

the next thing i would wish to talk about is saving as much money as you can
frist if you or your husband is/are smoking STOP
second don't use a computer or other electrical devices(use internet cafes for that matter)
third if you have any talents what so ever exploit them
fourth DO NEVER absolutely NEVER borrow money from underground guys....
fifth if you have a backyard or similar land make a garden and grow vegetables-that will help keep your food expenses down
sixth don't drive cars or motorcycles. buy a bike or walk...
seventh-this is illlegal by the way-nevermind i wont write it anyway....
thats it
also do you have an adress so i can send money in an envelope??

<sarcasm>oh I love captalism... </sarcasm>

"Sir, we can cure your broken bones, but if you don't have enough money we could use one of your kidneys as payment."

wish I could help but i have over $6,500 in medical bills!!! Ive already paid $9,700 and now havent paid squat on the rest in the last 8 months. were all in the same boat financially. look for another job, and your boyfriend should to. they are out there, ive been lookin and just got some interviews finally after 2 years of nothing.

I like Canada

<3 Healthcare.

I like England :B

Random Fact TIEM

America has the worlds most inefficient health care system due to privatization and "the middle man"

For each American the average yearly health care bill is around $5-6,000 where as in Germany it is around $2,000 and in England around $1200

=3

What about what this person said? "Um hun, for once conservatives are telling the truth. Look at the health care that is given to people of places like England and Canada. You know the cliche' that British people have bad teeth? That's the reason. The care is spread so thin that if you have to have a medical procedure that is life or death you may have to wait in line for it for months and may never get it because you might be dead by the time it's your turn. It may be free but it is not worth having health care that's so sub par. The only good thing is medication can sometimes be obtained without a prescription. It still costs my family nearly $300 to get my special medicine from a Canadian or British pharmacy."

I'm not agreeing with how they worded a lot of things, but I have quite a number of friends who live outside the US, and they tell me similarly. (The bad teeth thing is just incredibly silly, but the part about waiting forever to be treated apparently, is not..)

Hmm well for me I live in Sneinton, basically a ghetto and health care in the entire East Midlands or Midlands in general never seems to be an issue. Compared to private health care of course its not as good thats why we have companies over here that offer it too but for something that is paid via national insurance on the governments books its very cheap for the service you get =)

Although I can imagine certain areas of London and the North having issues with health care provision mainly with more complex surgery :3

The US right-wing throws it down your throats that we in the UK need to wait for ages for healthcare or that it's "why people have bad teeth". It's a load of nonsense.

I feel deeply sad for people in the US - including good friends of mine that I've seen go through the crap there - that you do not have a proper healthcare system. I'm sorry to say but it is unfair. A national health service would do nothing but benefit the USA.

Well, you see, I copy and pasted the information from that individual (despite the fact that I do not at all like the way they worded it) because I was curious what sort of response I would receive. Thank you for responding, Korrok. :)

The idea that individuals outside of the US must sometimes wait a very long time to receive health-care is something I have been hearing from friends of mine who are outside of the US. I am told by several that it is difficult to see a doctor if they are sick, and that the wait can be up to several months. They decide not to go, after all, because it "isn't worth it", yet they do not know what, exactly, is wrong with themselves.

I worry about my friends. I want them to feel as if they can see a doctor when they need to. The thought of them having to wait for several months to be examined frightens me. What if it is something that requires immediate attention, or something that will get considerably worse by the time they are able to be looked at?

I do not at all mean to put questions on what your friends say, but I think there may be exaggeration involved. Hell, in my annoyance, I've exaggerated our waiting times.

For a GP (standard doctor) appointment, here in this very busy part of the UK, you can wait upto 3 weeks. This part is one of the worst (near London - I used to live in central Scotland). This is pretty bad - however - if you are genuinely in any distress or really unwell you can always go to the hospital for immediate treatment. Or to be more specific, you will be referred to emergency GP at your local hospital for assessment within about 2 hours. This is for any time you are in immediate pain or illness. So with that in mind, I think it's pretty fair. However as I have mental health issues, I wouldn't go to the hospital GP for that, and it is annoying to wait on an appointment. Further to this, in some parts of the country you will have a waiting time for non urgent procedures which can be worse in some places than others. One area it could be a week, one it could be 3 months. But if something serious which is threatening to your health comes up, you will get yoinked into hospital and treated there and then. Of course there have been scandals with people not getting the right treatment, but this is the case everywhere and it's not the acceptable norm nor is it something you are likely to go through.

Also it can be kept in mind that you can also see a private doctor/hospital if you do not want to go through the national health service - for which you can get insurance, or just go and pay up fees. This is obviously a lot faster and you get a "luxury" treatment. For example I had to go get my tonsils out (I've not, just an example), I could go to a private hospital and have my own room and plush slippers and nice food. Or I could go NHS where I'd go into a ward probably with a bunch of other people having something similar, food would be passable, I'd get the treatment and it'd just be a "no frills" experience. There is a choice there. I always sigh when I have seen right-wing American politicians on TV who say that in the UK you are FORCED into this COMMUNIST health system where you have no choice. It is utter nonsense.

Anyway, sorry to make such a long post (and apologies to Pinkuh for the off-topic). I just thought I'd explain a little there. While a national health service is something which is very difficult to run, it is most definitely a very good thing.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lengthy, thorough response! That's what I was hoping for, and that is sure what I received. I really appreciate it. :)

Perhaps they were exaggerating. I hope so, at least.

wish I could help ya man

Oh God hun.... this is horrible beyond words. Being sued for being SICK. Being sued for being a human being, no less. We get sick. It happens. I swear, the healthcare in this country has to change *now.* I also agree with the above posters that they really can't do too much to you. The judge will just order you to pay a small amount each month based on your necessary bills and income, at least to my knowledge. Still, it's bullshit that they're even trying to sue you. :/ What are you supposed to do? Just curl up and die if you're sicker than a dog and can't pay for health insurance? Bullshit.

Right now, I think I broke my foot. I can't bend my toes. I can't sleep. I can't walk on it. The pain is making me want to puke. It's excruciating. I'm debating going to the ER because I don't have health insurance right now. I will in a few months, and I know the hospital would just hold off billing anything until I called them and let them know I have insurance (they're doing that for my mom), but still...

It's a sad, sad situation. Best of luck to you and your husband! I hope you both are feeling better!

Literally have no money, otherwise I'd support an artist as awesome as you.

I wish I could help *opens wallet, watches moths fly out* New Zealand has both private and State funded healthcare so we get the best of both worlds, I don’t know from personal experience as I haven’t been to a Hospital since I was four.

I may also suggest looking into credit counseling services, they can often help you by being a professional intermediary between you and the bill collectors, and they will help you pay that $5 a month into each bill, it's allot harder for the bill collectors to push a credit counseling service around.

I was born over a month and a half premature, and the bill was in excess of $10000.00 US. My parent paid like twenty dollars a month. After about twenty years, the hospital told them to just quit paying. So down here in the south, at any rate, the hospitals are very lenient.
As far as the price of the scan, that is about usual, but many lives have been save by the accuracy of it. I should know, we study that stuff constantly in my pre-med classes.

Best of luck!

I'm really sorry to hear about that, and I wish I could help you with paying the bill, but no paypal account, money or experience, but Ill put it out on every site I'm on, but yeah like people have said before ask to pay only 5$ a month or something, they seems to have experience it sometimes.

Best of luck!

Have to love those medical bills. Ill see if I can help out tomorrow when I get paid. I have a bill (no lie) thats $215,190 (I can buy a house...) that I have to pay atleast $100 a month to. Good luck with this, by the looks of things theres alot of people who care and are helping.

Just a small suggestion (unfortunately I can not contribute anything new as it seems everything else has already been covered), you should start a new journal because this one is getting a little long. Just to help make loading easier for everyone, including yourself.

Only 16, so I don't really have any money, but I sent you the $5 I had on Paypal :D

Hope you get through this... I do live near you, so I could MAYBE get you a place to stay if it comes to that. Only issue is the parents, but if you're in dire need, I could probably work something out.

Could go to the bank and put equity against your house to get the money or put a lean against your car/cars to get the money.

And then be in the exact same spot, only with a debt to the bank instead of a debt to the hospital.. :x

True. But Banks allow payments on loans unlike most hospital bills under 10K which would avoid this whole situation. Plus if you put something big up for collateral "IE Car, boat, ATV's, House" the interest rate is generally lower. Debt is debt is debt. Just depends on if you can make payments on it or not to make it go away.

time to make a withdrawal from the First Bank of Fur Affinity

wait i'm confused aren't there any grocery stores nearby you could get a job at, i thought you were laid off a long time ago..??

how is trying to collect on a six month old bill comparable to "getting some easy cash now"

Pinkuh, how about an update? I'm just curious how things are going -It's really made me happy to see the community open up to you as it has. I hope your husband is getting better as well. I have a really good feeling that the way everyone's pulling for you that everything will turn out just fine.

I'd still love to work out a commission!

I'll have a full writeup tommarow :3 It went well, and everything is going to be ok... the community was awesome. After the auction is over we should be able to pay the rest out of pocket and just have it settled without even having to worry about payments or anything.

Good luck~! I've never seen your stuff before (it's great, by the way!) but I've been in somewhat similar situations and this caught my eye, but I'm grateful to at least have a job and insurance. I can't imagine how hard it must be without those things. I'm glad to see that things seems to be getting a little better with the help from the community. I send my best wishes to you and your husband! Take care!

I'll shoot 25 your way as soon as I can get Paypal to work...

Right now I only have $9 to my name (well, maybe $9.05 if you count that nickel on my dresser) and maybe a scant $40 paycheck coming in a couple of days (Thanks to both Memorial Day and my aunt's funeral making me miss two days of work last week) so I can't help just yet but next week I'll probably chuck a Jackson your way

I know what it's like to be unemployed. T.T I'm about as broke as it comes, but I might be able to donate a little. Let me check my account, and get back to you.

OKay, I was able to give ya 10 dollars. I know it's much but it's all I could spare. I hope it helps.

I know it's NOT much anyway. c,c

Every little bit helps thanks :)

Go to the hospital financial department, give them your recent paycheck stubs (copies) and any information you have on your lay off (do you have a letter? Make a copy!). Give those to them and request financial help; most hospitals have charity programs which look at how much you make vs how much the bill costs. They will help you, or give you options.

If you check the latest journal... with the help of FA we made a hefty payment and gave them the rundown of what was happening. They were very very understanding... there was allot more that happened too... this situation literally blindsided us.

Their system fucked up... we only received one bill notice... it was in February. And then we didn't receive ANY phone calls or anything of the like becuase they had entered our home phone number wrong in their system.

Needless to say they got that all straightened out... with the help of FA we paid 1,000 of that bill so far... and if by some miracle we manage to get the full amount it will be GONE forever and never will we have to deal with that BS again (cause now we BOTH have insurance)

Oh wow, well, good for you!

insurance will probably not cover all your future bills. Copays, deductibles, non-covered procedures, and just insurers wriggling out of their obligations with loopholes and bullshit. Insured people frequently still end up having to declare bankruptcy from medical bills.

Since you're barely scraping by, your insurance cover is likely to be fairly cheap and thus extremely limited. I STRONGLY recommend that, as well as insurance, you put away as much as you possibly can into a savings account. Do not touch it for ANYTHING other than mdeical emergencies.

In this case Insurance didn't exist. We did not have insurance at the time.

yeah, I got that. But you say you have it NOW, for future medical problems. I'm saying start a savings account as well, because insurance of the kind that most people can afford does not provide full coverage, or reliable coverage, or ANY coverage if you are unlucky.

I presume you live in the US. You can apply for federal grants (as in money you don't have to pay back) that can be issued to pay off medical bills, as well as money catch up with bills, make home repairs, and other things. Not sure if you'd be qualified in time (not sure how much time you have to work with), but it's worth a shot.

medical services should be free dammit.

I will second, third, fourth the opinion that there is legally nothing they can do if you were to either:

1. Pay the absolute minimum each month that you can. ($5 will not make that much difference as to whether or not you can keep your lights on. If $5 makes that much of a difference, then you need to reassess either your income or the way that you spend it)

or

2. Declare bankruptcy. It KILLS your credit rating, but jesus if it's THIS bad for you, you don't have much choice.

As nice as we in the fandom are, most of us have our own issues right now financially, and if you're putting all your eggs in the "plz give me money" basket, then you'll be SOL.

That all being said, I hope you take a more mature approach and find yourself either the financial help you need, or handle it the way MOST people in America tend to when they can't afford these things, by doing one of the two things I mentioned above.

Good luck.

Pisses me off I can't help. I've been out of work since Nov. And my Visa is -$8000

There are so many people in the same boat it isn't even funny :(

Why are you asking the users of FA for donations for medical bills? Weren't certain users banned for doing the same exact thing?

Yeah this.
OH WAIT It's cool when Admins do it I guess.

That's a little cold, don't you think? I understand some people don't like to see assistance requests, but sometimes asking for help from ones "furry family" is an option. Some furs that may be more well off, would be more likely to help. Those who have money, have the power to change anothers life. Now if that is a meal, or a bill, so be it.

I am being cold because I CANNOT help (I have my own stuff to deal with sadly...such as being disabled to an extent) and don't like double standards in the furry fandom (one person gets banned/disciplined, another does it and gets away with it)

The other person who got banned was banned because he would continually do this and not because of medical bills. He was supposedly a couch-surfing loser who couldn't hold down a job even before the economy tanked, but would still get expensive commissions to post here. He'd stay with some gullible furs till he outstayed his welcome, then get online and beg for money or lodging till he was taken in by the next gullible fur.

We all have our own crap to deal with, sadly things are bad all over right now but I just wanted to point out that Pinkuh's situation is very different from Allan's.

Pretty much it is, as it's why I respect her position far more than what Allan was tangled in.

I don't want to sound like a total cunt but being laid off doesn't mean you can't get a job else where. If the money is that needed then why not flip burgers for a bit? and pay the minimums of $5 a month. Hell if the collectors harass you then you can take the extra you get from that burger flipping job and sue them (only legal if you've asked them to stop phoning) And then boom, no more bills from winnings, job for you. Problem solved, no begging needed.

I followed the link posted in a journal I'm watching.

I hate begging as much as the next person. I'm not able to donate at the moment; not enough in paypal thanks to moving across the country and the usual stuff. But, I can pass along the link to here and see if there's some friends willing to make a bid if the auction is still going on.

The best of luck getting the money up in time. Just try to come up with something, even if you have to ask your church for help.

The healthcare system is only as good as the money you put into it. I'm firmly of the belief that many people who can't afford health care did not necessarily simply fail at life or "be lazy" to get there. The assumption seems to be thus: Those who are on top (were successful) musty have done everything right. Those who are on the bottom must have done everything wrong, or not done anything (i.e. were lazy) to get there. We on top don't need to help those on the bottom, nor do we need to consider why they're there. We just accept it, take our success and forget they exist. Easy and simple. Thing is, many on the bottom just got randomly screwed, and many on the top got there simply by being born into wealth. We have to take care of our people - ALL of our people. It's not "socialism", that's simply a brand stuck on anything people want others to fear. Technically, the already widely-accepted Social Security is a form of socialism. When I hear yet more people whining about how "we can't give national health care, that's one step closer to socialism!" I hear "I make a million a year, but I can't possibly stand to lose ten bucks of that so that some worthless slob I shouldn't have to care about can get his life-saving surgery".

Blah black wall of text. I have had it up to here with the "left" and "right" fighting tooth and nail. Nothing is getting done, and it seems it's gonna stay like that for a while. Hope things work out for you, Pinkuh.

good luck........ i cant understand what i have done wrong.......
i offerd you to help
im limited in english


hope everything goes good for you


take care


xbs

We actually got the bills handled... so I don't need anymore help @_@ sorry if I came off wrong

im always here to help........