Question:
I may have to file bankruptcy

It took me months to be approved for surgery and finally the insurance company gave the okay..but 2 weeks before surgery, my husband was fired (his company was self-insured--I wonder if that had anything to do with it?). We had already paid our max out of pocket expense of $5000 and our deductible of $500 so it seemed to make sense to go ahead with the surgery. I paid for one month of COBRA and had the surgery. Now, after the fact, MAJOR bills are coming in and I have found out that since I was the only one in my family to elect COBRA, then the policy was no longer a "family policy" and the terms of the policy were different. It now seems as if I will be responsible for ANOTHER deductible and same on out-of-pocket expenses. We're looking at $6000 that we never thought we would have to pay..in addition to all kinds of other bills that are mounting up. We're contemplating banktruptcy..has anyone else had to do this? Also, my doctor's office runs the only support group around for miles. Sorry this is so long and not under my "real profile" name for obvious reasons..    — patty P. (posted on April 26, 2002)

April 26, 2002
We've taken care of our adopted son since he was 12 hours old. However, he was born in western Kansas and we live close to Wichita (south Central KS). He developed some health problems that forced him to be LifeWatched by plane to Wichita. Our insurance wouldn't cover him until the beginning of the first month following his birth. We were eventually stuck with $33,000 for this child! After struggling to pay for 2 years, we finally declared bankruptcy. Did it help? Yes and no. We no longer had the immediate problems, but it definitely hurt our credit. If you already own your own home, it's not a biggie - but if you need to get a big loan, they generally want you to be "out" of your bankruptcy 2 years or more before they take you seriously. It's a big step to take, but "medical" bankruptcies are quite common.
   — Kathy B.

April 26, 2002
HELLO, I CLAIMED BANKRUPTCY ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. MY ISUES WERE NOT MEDICAL, BUT STUPIDITY FROM MY TEENAGE YEARS. I AM NOW 26 AND DEBT FREE. IT WAS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE. I DO NOT HAVE ANY ASSETS YET, BUT A CAR, WHICH WAS SOOOO EASY TO GET. I HAVE 2 MAJOR CREDIT CARDS, WHICH I NOW USE WISELY. BEWARE, AFTER YOU FILE, YOUR NAME GOES ON A LIST, AND YOU ARE PRE-APPROVED FOR EVERYTHING, IT IS CRAZY TO KNOW THAT SOCIETY WANTS YOU TO FAIL AGAIN, WHEN THEY KNOW YOU HAVE MONEY PROBLEMS. GOOD LUCK, LAUREN GUALTIERI
   — Lauren G.

April 26, 2002
Check the laws for the HIPPA act. I dont think that you can be responsible for the deductible if you had coverage under your husbands policy for 18 months. I work for a health insurance company and we waive deductables that were met under another company and policy.
   — RebeccaP

April 26, 2002
Instead of declareing bankruptcy and having people who work hard pay your bills (We pay higher prices ,higher insurance and higher interest rates on credit cards!) why not get a second job and ask if you can pay off your debt. You just got a second chance at life please don't make it hard for someone else to.
   — Robert L.

April 26, 2002
Paying the deductable again when you already had it before? Maybe I misunderstood. But by paying it twice it sounds illegal and they are ripping you off???? Sounds crooked. But then again I could have misunderstood.
   — Danmark

April 26, 2002
Patty, I think it would be best for you to consult a lawyer. There are many options out there for you. By consulting a lawyer, you can determine if what the insurance company is saying about your policy is completely legal. (It sounds very fishy to me, but I am by no means a legal expert.) Also, before resorting to bankruptcy explore *every* other option available to you. The laws have changed and it's not as easy to file as some would think. There is credit counseling, perhaps you can work out a repayment plan with the company, etc. Good luck with this!!
   — Sarah C.

April 27, 2002
Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and opinions regarding bankruptcy. Coincidentally, my surgeon's billing rep just called this morning (Saturday--i couldn't believe it!!) and gave me some good advice on how to deal with the insurance company and recommended that I apply for Medicaid.
   — patty P.