r/HospitalBills • u/CommercialConstant59 • Feb 08 '25

Hospital-Emergency How should I approach this major hospital bill ($253,000)

I got in a dirt bike accident resulting in 2 fractured vertebrae’s,a broke arm a slit wrist and a broken orbital socket. I was in the hospital 6 days I did not ride the ambulance as I was found bleeding out on my bed. (University medical center in Lubbock did the repairs) With that being said I got a call stating I need to set up automated payments for the bill. I told them I would contact them back and just not sure how to approach the situation. I will never pay off the debt I’m only 21 and make $19 an hour($35000 a year). I tried applying for the financial aid but could do to my income being $300 over the monthly limit I rent a house payments right around $500 a month utilities tend to come out to right around $350 I wouldn’t by any means say I’m doing well financially I’m scraping by between groceries and gas I don’t tend to have a lot of money left on the table. I’m just lost and need a bit of advice Thank you for any provided.

159 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

90% Upvoted

717 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/Low_Break_1547 Feb 09 '25

I'm sorry, I hope you are OK. Why are you not on your parents'plan? You should be covered up to age 26 by them if they are paying for a family plan. Something to look into if your parents have good jobs for the future. If your parents have that option even if you pay them the difference between their individual and family plan the cost most likely would be cheaper than anything else you can get.

That said I'm in favor of a medicare for all type system. I work in health care and most people I work with are in favor of Medicare for all. It would save so much money and lives.

1

u/CommercialConstant59 Feb 09 '25

I am not insured at all as this is the first time I’ve got into a major accident. My mother struggles with addiction and is currently in a state rehab and my father just started getting his life back together recently as he was in addiction as well the accident happened November 23 and was in the hospital thru thanksgiving to December 1st most insurance companies I talked to can’t assist me as I would need retroactive insurance (Medicaid) is the only option I see there but not sure I would get it do to my house being rented from family

3

u/austinredblue Feb 09 '25

Just wanted to say I'm so sorry for the accident and so glad you survived, but even more importantly I hope you are so, so proud of yourself for building a productive life without any of the support you deserved at such a young age. You will be fine, you will be good.

2

u/Starbuck522 Feb 09 '25

Sorry you are in such a rough spot. Sorry you had no one to tell you about getting your own insurance, nor anything else. ❤️

2

u/LompocianLady Feb 17 '25

You'll figure it out! I'm so sorry it happened! Life is much more difficult to figure out when you are raised by addicts. You are making progress, and came to the right place for questions. You might want to sign up for any free (Adult Ed) financial literacy classes offered in your town, as with your background you may have missed out on the basic tips and tricks parents can teach their kids (tho not that all parents are financially literate!)

I have taught these sorts of community classes for years, as I enjoy helping people become more financially literate. I had a student, 19 year old Hispanic man who was in the US legally, but spoke only broken English. His math skills were non-existant, but I was able to get him up to at least basic competency. He had a gardening route, and I helped him create a plan for his future. This was 15 years ago. Since then he purchased 3 houses, cash, and has them rented out. He is just now buying a fixer-upper to convert to a duplex. His net worth is well over $2 million. I just helped him get his plans through the city planning department.

Every community has people like me, willing to help people figure things out. You might find someone in your town, perhaps at the hospital, willing to assist you and recommend local resources. I'm hoping you can resolve this without bankruptcy, but if that is the only option, do it. You need to get out from under the burden of this debt, and begin getting your life in a better financial position. Sell your bike, if it has any value. Get insurance! Figure out some life goals, make a plan, and move on. I know you will be fine!

1

u/Chase_London Feb 11 '25

i guess you know this now, but if you don't have health insurance you shouldn't engage in high risk activities. best wishes!