Caregivers Support Group

A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...

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melissa2487 01/07/2016

Any one have any ideas how to cope with bills? Solely medical bills I am just drowning. I take care of my parents and they both recently stayed in hospitals for 2+ weeks and I'm swimming in bills.

I can get charity care for them which will cut the bills by about 40% which is better than nothing but I can't even do that because the paperwork for charity care is overwhelming. The actual papers are okay but all the IDs, photos, etc - just the thought is killing me.

Now I'm getting collection agencies calling and writing me and I don't make a lot. I make $10/hr at my job and try to send out 1 or 2 bills a week which is all I can afford because I need somewhat of a life too for things I need.

Any ideas? Any help?

ajm1959 01/07/2016

Melissa, I feel sorry for you. I too am getting bills that are great. Some I feel I owe some I don't. I write letters of protest to the insurance company daily. Some help some don't. I'm still getting bills from 2014. One of the Cancers meds was supposed to be sponsored but now they are billing me $3800. All you can do is the best you can. good luck. hugs Arlene

ruthgrps 01/07/2016

I feel really sorry for you, and cant offer any advice as we dont have the same system in the UK

Phoebesfriend 01/07/2016

Hi Melissa,
I'm sorry you're having to deal with the bill collectors on top of caring for your parents !
You probably already know this but at least with the hospital bills you can ask them to let you make interest free payments. That's what we did after my husbands stroke. Most hospitals are pretty good about working with you on that. I think they're just happy to be getting some money instead of none at all.
As far as outside labs and other groups (there's always a ton of bills from places you never heard of ) you can ask them to work with you as well. Not sure if they are as understanding.

Good luck & God Bless !

~ Phoebe

HCARD 01/07/2016

Mellisa I have been there with the bills. I made arrangements with everyone basically telling them you can get blood from a stone. I felt weak and overwhelmed but acted strong. I wasn't aggressive I was assertive. Telling them I only have so much, how do YOU want to handle this. If they didn't know I suggested a low payment and any reduction they could offer. I still felt bad but I could pay the bills. Good luck

blueviolet725 01/08/2016

Are you talking about your bills from missing work to care for them? I have to ask if your folks could help you cover the bills as you were their unpaid companion and caregiver.
as to collection agencies, they are not allowed to call you at work, or after 9 pm at night...etc. learn your rights.
If it is your parent's bills, they shouldn't be bothering you.
meanwhile, it sounds like you need to take care of yourself. stress is so unhealthy....and you won't be able to think straight.

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