Mounting Medical Bills

So hey!

I'm not the kind of person who likes asking for help, really does anyone really, but here I am doing just that—asking. for help. Here's the situation and why I need your help.

Just over 18 months ago, I received a distressing medical diagnosis. Fast forward: I'm fine. Really. But, my condition requires constant monitoring and medication... both of which require medical insurance—which I am in danger of losing. More on that later.

About a year ago now, I was involved in a fender-bender in Boston. It's really a small case but has dragged on for a year and has depleted my funds and then some. For nearly 12 months that has been my priority, satisfying the state of Massachusetts at great cost with a lawyer, also at great cost...

The constant anxiety and stress about the case, and just other life "stuff" in general, made me severely depressed in August of 2023. Like, dark cloud depressed. I couldn't function for six weeks and was exhausted from fending off thoughts of suicide daily.

At that time, once I had made it through enough, I sought the help of a psychiatrist to go back on anti-depressants until the lawsuit was resolved and I was in a better place. I was put on a newer anti-depressant since I've tried everything else on the market at one time or another, and it worked great for a few months, really helping to cut the edge off and keep me able to work, and just live.

Of course, my insurance company said I couldn't have that medication. Because... America's health care system is beyond broken. End rant.

I've now been off meds for over a month, not doing so great, while my doctor and my insurance try to get the medication approved. read that again: I've been off meds for over a month. A MONTH.

My health insurance... so, given my medical condition, I'm part of a program in the state that covers my health insurance premiums. Nice, right? Only... they haven't paid ANYTHING in 2024 and I can't reach anyone to find out why, or when it may/may not be paid. My social worker is less than helpful just faxing paperwork over, which... I mean, thanks? I can do that, too. I need answers.

So basically three months of premiums are due. My insurance company wouldn't cover all of my last visit with my psychiatrist, and if I lose my insurance for non-payment, every test and procedure I've had done in 2024 will not be covered and I'll be responsible for ALL of that.

Side note: this happened once already at the end of 2022. My insurance didn't get paid because of a glitch and I was responsible for a month's worth of tests, doctor visits, and medication. Luckily I had medication, but some $700 later for tests and an office visit... which my doctor only JUST billed me for in November of 2024!

So here's the summary:

My lawsuit has me broker than broke and overextended as it is.

My health insurance is on the verge of being canceled.

My doctor's office has sent my past due bills for collection.

And my psychiatrist's office is looking for $200 even though they haven't gotten me back on any meds yet.

If I lose my insurance, I lose my medication, which is the most important thing, but then I will owe well more than this GoFundMe for tests, visits, and medication my insurance has covered so far in 2024.

There's more, because this is only the tip of the shit storm, but this is all you need to know. All I feel comfortable to share.

If you can help, thank you. It means the world to me. I HATE HATE HATE asking but I'm out of options and running out of time.

And hey, you never know, if you're kind enough to lend a dollar or two, you may get a mention in my next book. Stranger things have happened...