Even Baby Steps Will Pay Off
Question: I have a medical problem that will cost about $6,000 to cure.
Plus I’ll need to commute over 200 miles once a week for about 10 to 15 weeks. I don’t have health insurance because my job doesn’t offer it and no insurers will cover me due to this pre-existing condition. I make about $800 a month too much for state Medicaid.
How do I begin saving up for something this expensive when I'm trying to pay off other debt I accrued on emergency repairs to my fixer-upper house? Because of this health issue, I would like to sell my house, but selling now is next to impossible.
I started putting $10 a month in a savings account, and I'm in the process of looking for a part-time job on weekends to pay-off the house debt. I'm also looking for a full time job with benefits. How do I find the money and deal with this hopeless feeling I have — I don’t have a supportive family to lean on. Are the baby steps I'm taking now, going to be more helpful down the road than I realize?
Answer: It is difficult climbing uphill, but you just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other until you are on top. You are wise to be looking for a job that offers insurance benefits. Health insurance is a must-have. Call the state department of insurance, they may be able to help you find a source for insurance or check out eHealthInsurance.com (we used this service and saved $200 per month on our health insurance).Or research 123HealthPlan - they will cover everyone, with a limited exclusion period for pre-existing conditions.
Regarding saving, you must analyze every budget category, reduce expenses and save the rest. When you have a goal, such as paying off debt and accruing funds for your medical issues, it does become a little easier to make little sacrifices and eliminate impulse spending. Can you rent out a room or convert un-needed household items to cash?
Or, sell your house, even though you may not make a profit on it, and find a less expensive place to live, even if it means renting a room in someone else’s home. Getting out from the mortgage, taxes and maintenance will greatly accelerate your ability to save.
If your illness is not life threatening, put off the treatment until you get your savings bolstered, your home sold and hopefully some good health insurance.
Your baby steps will pay off and you will feel better!
3/20/2009 12:42 AM
Laura wrote:
Many doctors and hospitals have their own financial aid programs, and while you may not qualify to have 100% covered, many do sliding scale fees, but don't publicize any of this. Call area hospitals' billing depts and explain your situation. Many service industries have an annual $ they do pro bono, or for charitable patients. Sell your case, and you may just be where you need to be sooner than you think. My relative did this, and not only did she get her surgery, she got access to two treatments for advanced wound healing totalling $100,000 each.
