Help to Heal: Andrea's Medical Bill Fund

Preface:

Thank you, yes you for coming to visit my page. Even if you do not end up donating I am glad you took the time to look at my page and to read my story.

How it Started:

It is difficult to pinpoint how the roller coaster of debt began, but I will start at a point in which keeping up with my finances became impossible.

In late 2007 I had lost my health insurance. I was apart of my state's low-income insurance plan, but surpassed the poverty line making myself ineligible for the program. However, I also was not making enough to apply for individual health insurance.  

Unfortunately, there came a time when I needed a transvaginal ultrasound in order to investigate an issue I had been having. At the appointment a cyst-like object had been found and the OBGYN had scheduled me for surgery. As much as I wanted closure and as much I had wanted to find out exactly what was going on inside me, I had to cancel the appointment as I knew it would be beyond expensive and they would need to have a payment up front.

That was in 2008. 4 years ago and I still don't know.

In between then and now I've had a variety of health issues, most while I was attending college. Some needed ambulatory transport which without insurance estimate around $800. I did my best to choose between my health and my finances, but ultimately my health won out.

Progress:

Last year in 2010, my father was able to place me onto his insurance plan with thanks to the health care amendment that allows children up to 26 years of age to remain on a parent's insurance. I am finally able to get annual check-ups and prescriptions at an affordable price. 

The Standstill:

My medical bills to date equal to the amount of $4,191.98.  Some of these accounts are already in collections only adding to urgency. My debt does not allow me to move forward and make progress toward two things.

1. My student loans

2. Getting another GYN ultrasound

My student loan debt totals in at $128,840 and is climbing daily. I have 9 loans and 8 of them are in forbearance. I currently have one part-time job that only pay around $400-500 a month and is not enough to cover a fraction of my monthly bills. However, with some of them in collections the pressure to pay is great in order to avoid more severe penalties.

I am currently in the search for a second job or a full-time job, but pickings are either slim or none at all. 

Everyday is a struggle. There isn't a day that goes by where I am consumed by my debt. As much as I want to pay and as much as I work hard, I just do not make any money.

Even though I have almost $130k in student loans, my focus right now are on my smaller accounts that are already delinquent. These medical bills make it impossible live. If they were to be relieved, I could finally focus on tackling my loans instead of being in danger every month of defaulting. I could put money aside to get another gyn appointment.

From the bottom of my heart I call out to you. Anything you can give is much appreciated. Your help will help me live a more happy and healthy life. I thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. Thank you.

-Andrea Agostini