Comments on: Medical Expenses A Common Cause Of Bankruptcy

By: Tammie Pulley

Tammie Pulley — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:55:29 +0000

Personal Experience: I’m a 100 % self supporting single mom, middle class, who had 2 major medical events in the past 5 years; a child’s temporary disability and myself breast cancer. I had insurance but because of the uncovered cost PLUS living expenses not covered by disability – I suffered. I sold my home before I completely lost it, used up the equity to pay above costs. Now I’m 48 years old and looking at how to recover my nest egg. I didn’t go bankrupt but our standard of living is gone and we pray we do not have another event. Please do not be critical of hard working people who have lost everything due to medical expenses. I would be willing to go on the “Canada” plan. Thanks!

By: Java Monster

Java Monster — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:07:39 +0000

Last year I decided to keep close track on our co-pays and monthly billings. We were covered with an incredible package with a low co-pay.

At the end of the year, we spent about $13,000 on health insurance through a very generous employer. That includes the medication, the premium we paid (which was less than 1/3 of our current COBRA payments). The point? Even if you have excellent coverage, and it’s subsidized by an employer, it’s still going to cost a bundle to stay covered.

By: Credit Card Chaser

Credit Card Chaser — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:30:46 +0000

What is really unfortunate is when people fall for the discount health card scams and think that they have true health insurance but then when they have a large medical bill then they find out that their “health insurance” is really just a discount card. Sticking with a large and trusted provider like United Healthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross, etc. really is the way to go.

By: Linette

Linette — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:38:32 +0000

While this is not a subject to be laughed at, I have to laugh. My father tells me the story of when I was born all the time and that I cost him over $20,000 in the late 70’s. He had insurance, but it didn’t cover premature me. He tells me how he went into the hospital and told them “F—- You I am only going to pay you $10 a month, that is all I can afford”. He says the hospital didn’t like that so he told them “F— you”! LOL, I wish it was that easy today. He finally paid my bill off when I was around 14 or so. I still thank him every birthday.

By: rob in madrid

rob in madrid — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:04:36 +0000

Wow! pretty impressive considering the tone of the healthcare debate of recent, no yelling, no personal responsibility bashing, just alot of thoughtful comments!

By: Lisa Clark

Lisa Clark — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:24:56 +0000

Just had some minor surgery and as I am paying off debt I am so thankful for free health care – the NHS may not be perfect but it is free.
[Of cause I do pay for it via my taxes but you know what I mean]

By: Nancy from Mass

Nancy from Mass — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:21:59 +0000

Patti, How is the hospital prohibited from talking to me when they send me a bill with a phone number on it?
I can just see how easy it could be for someone to go bankrupt from medical bills.

By: julie

julie — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:25:01 +0000

wow, another reason that i thank god that i am canadian. for me and all of the other people who live in the first world outside of the united states, this is not a reality that i will ever have to face. it is hard for me to imagine a life were if i were ill i would have to choose whether or not to see a doctor based on my finances. i believe that in canada and in europe, basic health care is seen as a right and not a priveledge, therefore it is the responsibility of the government to provide this service.

By: AndyM

AndyM — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:12:14 +0000

Mr. X has a good point, albeit very frank and oversimplified.

There are numerous avenues that patients may take to defray costs associated with expensive medical procedures. Further legislation regarding health care reform will only complicate the issue. Furthermore, no one is more capable than the individual (or patient guardian) of personal health management. A doctor, private or socialized, will not genuinely advocate on behalf of any patient. Physicians and other health care experts are technical advisers, strict practitioners, and basically far too overtasked to determine a definite course of action without patient input.

Finally, as a taxpayer, I would rebuke those who propose swift changes to the national health care scheme. My money is mine alone, and should be allotted to those under my own auspices. Given the opportunity, I would also phase out the systems of Medicare and Social Security.

By: Kari @ How I Became a Fiscal Fussbudget

Kari @ How I Became a Fiscal Fussbudget — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:34:05 +0000

I have to admit I cringed when I saw the title of this post. I thought it would talk and ‘bash’ (for lack of a better word) about responsibility.

I am filing BK for medical expenses AND a lengthy custody battle. It really is a demeaning feeling to be filing.

I’m glad this post shed some understanding and compassion.

Sometimes life experiences can change our minds about these things and give a compassion about them we once never had. I know it did for me. I used to have really great health insurance and never knew anyone personally that didn’t. Working and living in MI my whole life and being accustomed to those with the previously wonderful insurance that the automotive industry provided along with companies that had to compete with the industry for its employees to keep employees happy. I never worked for the former Big 3 but I did work for comapanies that supplied to them my entire life.

What a change these last few years have had on the lives of myself, my family, and my close friends.