OT: In a situation, looking for advice/help/etc...

[RUin2WIN]

I've gotten myself into a pretty tough situation financially thanks mostly to uncovered medical bills when I didn't have insurance, but also some other compulsive spending thanks to my bipolar disorder. Some background though, and I'll just do the short version. Basically prior to exiting from the military I was diagnosed as narcoleptic, no big deal they put me on a stimulant and I was fine. But then a few months later I wasn't able to sleep, I was participating in dangerous activities, and I just felt "high" all the time. I played it off as a side effect, because I didn't want to admit that something else could be going on. It just got worse though and eventually it ruined some friendships, relationships, and I came crashing down very hard. I was very close to committing suicide but was stopped by a friend stopping by unexpectedly. I went to find out about programs to help or just talking to someone, and wound up getting sent to an inpatient facility. I didn't have insurance to cover it at the time, and while the treatment was great it was very, very expensive.

Fast forward to now and I've been struggling to pay off the debt because I'm living on my own, going to school full-time here at Rutgers, and still trying to manage all the debt from the hospital. I have been missing payments and can't focus on anything but that lately. I told my friend and he suggested doing one of the gofundme pages and posting it. If for no other reason than that at least I tried.

This is the only community I really post on online so I thought I'd put it here. Honestly I don't expect it to work, but would also appreciate advice from anyone on maybe just ways to make extra cash. Right now I've been selling things I don't need, working 30-35 hours a week( looking for a full time job at the start of the new semester), and also just started selling my plasma.

https://www.gofundme.com/r2cy7hpg

 

[CornerTavern]

Wow, that sounds rough… Hang in there.

 

[rutgersdave]

I've gotten myself into a pretty tough situation financially thanks mostly to uncovered medical bills when I didn't have insurance, but also some other compulsive spending thanks to my bipolar disorder. Some background though, and I'll just do the short version. Basically prior to exiting from the military I was diagnosed as narcoleptic, no big deal they put me on a stimulant and I was fine. But then a few months later I wasn't able to sleep, I was participating in dangerous activities, and I just felt "high" all the time. I played it off as a side effect, because I didn't want to admit that something else could be going on. It just got worse though and eventually it ruined some friendships, relationships, and I came crashing down very hard. I was very close to committing suicide but was stopped by a friend stopping by unexpectedly. I went to find out about programs to help or just talking to someone, and wound up getting sent to an inpatient facility. I didn't have insurance to cover it at the time, and while the treatment was great it was very, very expensive.

Fast forward to now and I've been struggling to pay off the debt because I'm living on my own, going to school full-time here at Rutgers, and still trying to manage all the debt from the hospital. I have been missing payments and can't focus on anything but that lately. I told my friend and he suggested doing one of the gofundme pages and posting it. If for no other reason than that at least I tried.

This is the only community I really post on online so I thought I'd put it here. Honestly I don't expect it to work, but would also appreciate advice from anyone on maybe just ways to make extra cash. Right now I've been selling things I don't need, working 30-35 hours a week( looking for a full time job at the start of the new semester), and also just started selling my plasma.

https://www.gofundme.com/r2cy7hpg

Aren't you on VA medical plan? My other suggestion is that you move back to your parent's basement to cut your living expenses. Since you can not concentrate on school work, I would also suggest you drop out of school until you have some of your problems solved.

 

[CranfordKnight]

My advice is to use the youcaring.com site, which is more geared towards this type of situation. Many people frequent that site looking for worthy causes to donate to. But by staying anonymous, this will be tough. Most people won't help out a totally anonymous person because they'll think it's a scam. Don't think no one cares just because the site isn't working to raise money. Better to enlist a close friend or family to help navigate your way through some of your current situation (negotiating with your medical provider to reduce payments, exploring mental health care options, taking a leave from school, etc.) so it doesn't feel so overwhelming. Hang in there.

 

[RutgersSam]

Become an Uber driver in your spare time. I'm serious.

 

[rutgersal]

If you can only afford to pay $5 a month towards your medical bills, then give that. If only $1, then give that. Provide a note explaining that you're a student. The key is to at least give something.

 

[B0ski]

You may want to write letters/send email to the health care providers explaining your situation. Depending on the provider, they may reduce or eliminate the debt. Also the suggestion about paying a minimal amount was a good one. Good luck.

 

[Knight Shift]

I am sorry to hear about your troubles.
Have you reached out to any organizations that help ex-military? Here is a link to some organizations:
http://www.operationwearehere.com/FinancialAssistance.html#anchor_329

Also, you may have a case to argue that you did not have the mental capacity to enter into a contract with the inpatient facility. Do you have copies of the papers you signed with them? Review them. Even if there is not specific language, parties to a contract must have the mental capacity to enter into a contract.

While it might be hard to understand while financial pressure is mounting, these problems are temporary, and there is a way out of these things. No amount of money or financial pressure is worth your life. You will get through this.

 

[czxqa]

If you can only afford to pay $5 a month towards your medical bills, then give that. If only $1, then give that. Provide a note explaining that you're a student. The key is to at least give something.

This. My mom used to work for the former UMDNJ in surgery billing. As long as you are sending them something every month, there is nothing they can do. The important thing is to keep dealing with them and not get sent out for collection. If you're already out to collection, bankruptcy may be your best option.

 

[Ru2bnj]

I would reach out for professional help...maybe using some of the above information. The important thing is just know that you are not "trapped" and there is help out there and you will be fine. We all go through some very difficult times in our lives...I went through a tough period about 15 years ago. You need to take it one day at a time and work through things. Try to keep away from the negative thought stuff and do those things which give you happiness and distraction from your troubles. Good luck to you..you will be fine.

 

[newell138]

Become an Uber driver in your spare time. I'm serious.

Agree. I started doing this on the occasional weekend and even in my remote area of NJ its a good way to make some extra cash whenever you feel like it.

 

[rutgersal]

My advice would be to :

• Focus on school because that's your ticket out of your current situation
• Don't work full time
• Work part time and pay what you can towards your bills; call your creditors and tell them what you can pay, whatever it is
• Work temporary jobs during winter and summer break
• Make extensive use of Rutgers counseling resources available to students

 

[RUin2WIN]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone! I'm going to get through the end of this semester and then try and figure this out.

How hard is it to become an Uber driver ?

 

[Blitz8RUCrazy]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone! I'm going to get through the end of this semester and then try and figure this out.

How hard is it to become an Uber driver ?

https://www.uber.com/driver-jobs

 

[RAA-1]

Have you talked to people at the VA? You should be receiving VA benefits for college expenses as well as medical care as you had these issues prior to discharge. At a minimum you can get advice and help from them on your financial difficulties.

 

[RUich]

Some really great ideas posted here.
Keep in mind that you are not even close to being unique with your problems. The most important thing is to realize that you will come out the other end of this tunnel eventually and life will be a lot better.
Go to every place that can possibly help you. You are not a deadbeat, you have simply been run over by a lot of problems. Keep the faith and keep your head up.

 

[ImBadRU]

Not sure why you didn't have benefits. TriCare while you were active duty and VA when you were out. Why weren't you treated at VA. R U sure its bipolar by the way? If so, are you getting ongoing treatment?

 

[jeffro5]

Nice to see this board provide helpful responses, in contrast to all the negativity. Keep it up!

 

[RUin2WIN]

Not sure why you didn't have benefits. TriCare while you were active duty and VA when you were out. Why weren't you treated at VA. R U sure its bipolar by the way? If so, are you getting ongoing treatment?

I filled out the paperwork for medical benefits and submitted to the VA after separating but was rejected because they said there was insufficient evidence even though I had the diagnosis sheet and original referall from the base medical. I'm going to file an appeal and try again but not holding my breath. Also requested to go to a VA facility once I was told I had to get treatment and the hospital i was at told me it couldn't be done? Don't know if that was true or not but they were adamant I couldn't.

I'm positive it's bipolar, spent a couple of weeks in the inpatient treatment facility and met with many different doctors and all concluded the same thing. I still go to counseling and therapy now as well as take the medication that they prescribed.