Question
What is the name of your state? NY
Wondering if anybody can help. I have a relative who was just diagnosed with a terminal illness. She is married, with a dependent, but unfortunately uninsured. We assume the medical bills will be enourmous and so far have found some information on how to attack the problem any other suggestions would be helpful.
Our suggestions so far are
-1- Not to pay the medical bills on a credit card, rather try to pay any bills on regular negotiated installments
-2- Ask for itemized bills, check it closely, and try to have the items reduced to the equivalent of the Blue Cross Blue Shields pricing and/or find out if their is a separate rate for uninsured.
-3- Apply for Medicare and or Medicaid (Currently Medicare is not an option and we are trying to avoid spending down her family's assets to where she qualifies for Medicaid)
-4- Seek an attorney
Any additional suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Answer
Iam sorry to hear of her situation. If she has or is offered credit card insurance -- it's generally extraordinarily expensive life insurance but she can not now get any other kind -- and it pays the outstanding balance of the card in the event of the card holder's death (subject to certain conditions, such as the credit card in good standing, no past due balances, etc.). Generally she can take it out without having to provide any false answer to any medical or other questions (generally no questions are asked -- but read ALL the fine print) it may work to the extent of her credit limit. Credit card companies offer it periodically, so be on the lookout.
Generally Medicaid is the answer if she spends down the assets, but beware of getting caught in anything that smells of fraud -- the Government goes after the living, HARD. A lawyer can help her get her affairs in order, and avoid fraud problems, just in case.
Answer
Try calling the various hospitals in your area. Some state or county hospitals may provide free care. Also, some other hospitals have special subsidized plans that low income individuals can enroll in.
As for credit insurance, be careful as it is a very "sneaky" business. The premiums are extremely high and while medical questions may not be asked, treatment of pre-existing conditions may be excluded. finally, some of these plans simply "defer" the payment for a period of time and you still owe the balance.