I am 50 years old. June of 2008 I was diagnosed with stage 2 Ovarian Cancer, my CA125 level went back to normal after my surgery. I am just about to have my 5th round of my six chemo treatments. My outlook looks very good and feel I will be around for a very long time to come. I lost my job back in March of this year then was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June. I have no health insurance and no savings account of any kind. Back in September I was given an additional 13 week payment from the federal government stimulus emergency fund, I only have about five weeks left of this extended unemployment. I live alone and I am very scared right now that I will lose the roof over my head, along with my dignity and my pride. I have never stopped searching for work since March. As we all are experiencing right now...... the economy is at an ultimate low point. I have had only two job interviews in the last 2-3 months and keep hoping and praying for more to come much sooner than later. I have several years of office/customer service experience, but yet can't seem to land a job. It is bad enough that the competition for landing a job is fierce one, but now with having to be honest about my cancer/chemo treatments I feel I am fighting a losing battle. I don't qualify for Medicaid or Disability because I make just over 300.00 per week on unemployment. I have applied for discount/funding programs with every clinic and medical facility that I acquired services from, some gave me a discount and others I have not heard from. Even the Womens Wellness program only covers cervical and breast cancer and every time I hear this I want to tell them “ I will try harder next time to get one of these cancers instead of Ovarian.” Some of my bills are already going to collections, but there is no income to pay any medical expenses. No matter what discounts I receive I will still owe several thousands in medical bills. I only see bankruptcy in my future, because I don't want to spend my next two lifetimes trying to pay these debts off. Even though I may not physically feel 100% all the time I want to work very, very much, this is more important or necessary than my health right now. I don't have a computer at home and go to the local library every day to look for work and check my emails. Even though I have hit several road blocks, week to passing week, I try my hardest to stay strong, stay positive and not get discouraged, but it is getting harder as my time for keeping a roof over my head is running out. One thing I can say for sure: I may have cancer but it definitely does not have me! There just has to be light at the end of the tunnel. I refuse to give up!
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Tough Times All Around
- By J-lopez
- Posted November 18, 2008 at 2:02 pm · 7 replies
- In Financial and insurance issues
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- By Freedie22
- Posted November 18, 2008 at 6:59 pm
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I've been out of work for 2 1/2 years due to stomach issues and then some. I wasn't approved for STD so I couldn't receive LTD. I do have medical insurance; however, we really need my income to pay the bills. We just refinanced to take equity out of the house to use to pay bills. Even with insurance, I still owe thousands in medical bills (I was hospitalized for 3 weeks- and then 1 1/2 weeks this year and I think the total for the first visit was something like 300,000 (I spent 2 of the 3 weeks in the ICU) and the second visit around 90,000). I don't owe near that much due to the insurance, but still owe quite a bit that wasn't covered.
I've contacted the hospital as well as the outpatient centers I've had procedures done at and they have all been very understanding regarding my inability to pay what I owe right now--They will usually accept any amount you can commit to pay (I pay $10.00/month on one) and keep you out of collections. I would suggest doing your best, if possible, to stay out of collections because if your credit is good, you can at least be approved for credit cards--I know not the greatest idea, but it's how we've gotten by for so long without my income. We did just payoff most of the credit cards with the equity money so we'd be able to run them back up again until I return to work. I just applied for 6 positions last week at the hospital I'd most like to work at and am waiting to hear.
Were you offered a COBRA from your job you left in May? If so, as long as you backpay from May--they can't consider the Cancer a "pre-existing condition". I'm not sure how long you have to decide whether or not to take the COBRA and I know it's a lot of money--but could save you money in the long run. I know that you're able to stay on COBRA for 18mos. after you left that position.
- By gunpowderandlead
- Posted November 19, 2008 at 8:57 am
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Jlopez,
I am so sorry about your hard ship. I too live alone and am not working with no income coming in. I am freeking out. Do you have family anywhere? What state are you in? I have a friend he is like a head hunter for job people maybe he can search for a employer for you. He would need your resume and background to try and find a placement for you.
Stacy
- By ovagal
- Posted November 19, 2008 at 4:53 pm
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Please try contacting Patient Advocate Foundation 1-800-532-5274, or http://www.patientadvocate.org
to see if they can offer any advice or help.
This next website offers financial assistance with prescription costs.
http://www.myrxadvocate.com
I do hope that you find some help with your bills and secure a job to ease the stress to help further your physical healing, too.
Sending healing hugs,
ovagal
- By Renfroe
- Posted November 19, 2008 at 5:58 pm
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I happen to be financial / bankruptcy attorney. If you are thinking about filing, do not do it now. You are probably judgment proof so put it off as long as you can as once you do file, you can't file again for 8 years (chap 7 that is). Likewise I would prioritize what you have to pay first. Your health is paramount first, but doctors will work with you. Likewise, talk to you mortgage company / landlord. Being proactive helps. Lastly, talk with your state bar association about legal assistance. They can refer to valuable locations of information and support and likewise are generally hooked up with agencies like Catholic Charities who can offer emotional and financial support. It is illegal to ask you in an interview if you have or if you have had cancer.
- By J-lopez
- Posted November 20, 2008 at 1:01 pm
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Yes I was offered Cobra, but there way no way I could even afford 50.00 per month for this insurance let alone 200.00. The only option I see in my future is bankruptcy. I cannot let myself continuously worry about paying off my medical debts, I would need two more lifetimes to do this! All I can do is worry about paying the rent and the utilities and of course keep praying and hoping someone will hire me soon.
- By J-lopez
- Posted November 20, 2008 at 1:19 pm
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Thanks for the info. I don't plan on filing for at least 4-5 months. I have one more chemo bout left and a couple more doctors visits after. I know they can't discriminate in an interview but unfortunately they do!!
I don't want to file bankruptcy.........my credit has been between 700-800 for years, but even if I do find a job I can't spend the rest of my lifetime and probably the next trying to pay it off. I did receive some discounts by working with the differents medical facilities, but I will still owe thousands. A couple years ago I was out of work again and until I was able to find work I had to take cash advances from my credit card to pay rent and necessities, I was already several thousand in debt, I had my car payment ( I still owe 7,000) transfered to cc because I am paying 2.9 % instead of paying Chrysler 7%. I am still paying all my bills minus the medical ones on my 300.00 weekly Unemployment, which is about to run out within a month.
- By J-lopez
- Posted November 20, 2008 at 1:24 pm
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I am in Wisconsin, I live about 30 minutes NW of Miwaukee. If you would happen to have an email address for this person I would appreciate it. Then again I may not even be near your location. I have no family to help me.
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