If you live elsewhere in the U.S., call 211. In many communities across the U.S., this is a hotline like the 911 or 411 systems you are already used to for other purposes. But 211 focuses on linking people up to human services.

You also want to contact the social worker who is assigned to, or works at, your hospital. He or she will know about the resources that are available to local patients and can get you connected to those programs and services.

In the meantime, start getting your financial and identification documents in order. A lot of programs that are available to assist families in crisis do require paperwork or an application process so they can identify eligible families. You’ll want to have things ready such as photo ID, proof of residency, proof of military or veteran status if applicable, proof of income and / or unemployment status, your most recent tax records, and a list of all your other financial obligations.
Monroe on a Budget´s last blog ..Get organized on groceries with my 8-week plan

I’ve used the charity programs in hospitals before. The biggest point is to not let them deter you. For example, my husband was having breathing problems so we ended up in the ER. The bill was nearly $400. Our deductible meant it wasn’t covered. When I called the financial aid department, they told me that since he had insurance, they probably wouldn’t cover it. I asked for the financial aid form anyway.

After we filled out the form, I wrote a cover letter. I explained our situation — husband’s health problems keep him out work, I have a disability and can’t work much, and hubby’s insurance is $502 a month out of our $3245 income. I then pointed out that there were items not listed on the form. Like the fact that the only stuff that soothes my husband’s severe eczema is a Body Shop line of products. And they’re pricey, but we have to use them to keep him at all sane. That we were trying our hardest to be diligent about bills and paying off debt, but with a low income and lots of expenses, it was simply hard to make much progress.

The bill was reduced to $118. Still not perfect, but a heck of a lot better than $400.

So I guess my point is that, in bureaucracy, if you get a “no” then you’re probably not asking the right question. Especially when it comes to financial help. Try rephrasing it. Try going up the food chain to a supervisor. (Sometimes the front-line people say no because they cannot, in fact, do it. But someone higher up can.)

The Medicaid is a good idea. It will help cover any coverage gap in Medicare (if you/your spouse has it). If not, it should cover most of your bills from here on out. If you make too much for Medicaid… I hate to advise this but… Find out what the limit is. Do the math of what if you didn’t have any co-pays on meds or doctors. There’s a decent chance it would be cheaper for you to earn less money and get Medicaid.

Also, contact the doctor who is threatening collections. It’s an automatic letter that prints up after a certain period of time. The doctor doesn’t send it, his staff does. Ask the doctor to call you. Explain your situation. Tell him that you WILL get him the money. Remind him that taking you to collections for $33 will mean he gets almost no money and the collections agency will, indeed, get the full amount.

The Catholic Archdiocese tends to have agencies in various cities. It also tends to be one of the bigger agencies for helping people in times of need. You don’t have to be Catholic. You just have to be in need. Which it sounds like you are.

I don’t know the lifetime medical condition, of course, so I can’t speak authoritatively, but as someone with a chronic health problem (married to another person with chronic health problems) I am guessing more work is not really an option. Though the bartering idea isn’t a bad one. Overall, I’m betting you don’t have much energy to spare, especially being so stressed out about bills.

But the idea to sell the non-functioning car is a good one. You should be able to get at least $100 for it. Probably more. If you only owe $350, that’s a lot closer to being finished with that bill. And you may want to double-check: Are you absolutely sure you took the second car off your insurance? Otherwise you’re paying extra.

Also, find local food banks. They are a godsend. They’re not fun. The first few times can be excruciating for stubborn, proud folks. (I really hated going, but I really appreciated the food.) The fact is that, in good times, we give to these places. In bad times, we feel weird about taking part in them. Logically, that makes no sense. And remember that, if times get better, you can repay them with donations or time. (Also, if you do have energy, I’d consider volunteering at a food bank. You’ll get dibs on some of the better stuff and it helps some folks feel better about using the service.)

As for government programs, you pay taxes. You pay for these programs. If you need them, use them. And if you’re told you can’t use them, keep asking questions until you know exactly what the most you can make is and any other conditions surrounding them. Then figure out how to make yourself fit those guidelines.

Also, call your local utilities companies. Many have lower rates for people who are low-income. I suggest taking a good long look at those utilities, too. With low-income help on our landline, we pay only $9 a month. We took off long-distance, which we hardly use anyway, and that took off something like $15/month. At least here in Seattle, you can get free compact fluorescent (sp?) bulbs from the city. So check into that, as well. And find out if you can make dump runs to lower your trash collections cost. A friend with a truck might be willing to take you once a month.

Finally, I know it’s hard to consider, but you may want to think about putting your house up for sale. Rent is probably cheaper than what you’re paying for a mortgage. And if you can sell at any kind of profit, you will have money to pay off at least a few bills. I know most people dream of a home. It’s heart-wrenching to consider giving that up. But it sounds like you’re in the “desperate times call for desperate measures” state.
Abigail´s last blog ..Sometimes, it’s just about making progress

Great comment on gap coverage. Didn’t think about that!