The Rechel Family needs helps

Dear Friends, I hate to be writing this, but we are asking for your help. As most of you know, I had two hip replacements this year. Although the surgeries were a complete success and took away my extreme pain, the bills that we had to pay, even with insurance, has put us on the road to our soon inability to pay our utilities and mortgage.

I have been actively in conversation with the NC Department of Insurance regarding my TWO bills for anesthesia during surgery amounting to $5,400. Even though my hospital and surgeon were in-network, the anesthesia apparently was not. I might be able to fight the March operation because of the “surprise bill act,” enacted January 1, but not the November operation. We had to pay so much out of pocket for MRI tests and cardiac tests that were required, but not covered.

We did take our yearly vacation. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best idea, but it was already paid for. To save money, we didn’t eat out, and we made all of our own meals. It was just a place to stay for a few days. Upon our return, Joe’s work hours have been cut and I still have little transcribing work due to companies being reluctant to spend money.

At the moment, we have depleted our Covid unemployment, maxed out our credit card, and have reapplied for food stamps. The bottom line is that we are scared of losing our house.

The good news is that Joe will start getting Social Security benefits in September, which, along with him still working, will get us by in the long run. It’s the two months before that we’re scared about.

If anyone out there could help, we would be forever grateful.

Mary, Joe, and Lila