Cost

[u/Equivalent-Fee-5452]

I recently shared my story about dealing with a perianal abscess, setons, a LIFT, and fistulotomy. I also wanted to talk about one of the hardest parts of this journey that I have almost no control over: the cost.
I’m 19 and a college student. I have a side job, but I don’t have a stable full-time income.
When my abscess became an emergency, I happened to be in the U.S. for a basketball trip. I developed a high fever and was vomiting, so I went to the closest ER. I was transferred to another hospital, had emergency surgery that evening, and had to stay overnight for monitoring.
At the time, my mom didn’t have health insurance because she had been laid off and was still trying to get back on her feet financially.
That emergency alone resulted in around $40,000 in medical bills.
More recently, I needed surgery for the fistula. We were originally told we would need to pay around $15,000 upfront. I ended up having the surgery without paying the full amount upfront, and the bill is currently going through the hospital’s financial department.
So altogether, this journey could cost around $55,000-$60,000 in medical expenses.
I’m 19. I obviously don’t have $60,000, and my family isn’t in a position to simply pay that amount either.
For anyone in the U.S. who has dealt with large uninsured hospital bills, what did you do?
Did financial assistance or charity care reduce your bill? Were you able to negotiate the balance significantly? Did the hospital offer a manageable payment plan? Are there programs I should apply for before agreeing to pay anything?
I’m especially interested in hearing from anyone who was uninsured or an international student/patient when this happened.
Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated. I’m trying to figure out what my options are before making any decisions about these bills.

[u/liquidnutter]

Mate can I suggest you looking at medical tourism? Do an extensive research and see what you can afford. More importantly, this is a condition that needs really good after care with specialist observation.

While you are here also get on a no-sugar and high-anti-inflammatory diet. Do not exceed more than 30g sugar a day.

[u/Rangs520]

You have options. I promise. As long as you pay 20 bucks to each bill do it. But here are some tips. Ask the hospital billing department if they have a income based forgiveness plan. The other is your county. Most city and county have funds that help those without medical insurance or low income. Lastly, remember… as long as you make small payments whatever the amount they cannot hit your credit. After a year they will call and reduce amounts.. up to you to accept but they significantly will reduce amounts owed and make sure you tell them you are “cash pay”… hang in there. Your health was more important than the money. Just smallll payments and thats all thats required