Uninsured Medical Bill Hurting Everything

My name is Alan Farris. I've been working at my job for 18 plus years without any provided benefits like health insurance or dental insurance. And in one fell swoop, everything crashed from there.

I had become very ill from a virus in my stomach, causing me to be constantly in pain, exhausted, and eventually extremely dehydrated. After I had gone to an After Hours Care center after being sick for 4 days straight, they told me that I should get to a hospital due to my condition.

I followed their advice, and what happened was a whirlwind of tests on my stomach, thinking it was possibly appendicitis. CAT scans, Ultrasounds, the works. The found nothing, but due to my extreme dehydration, they wanted to keep me for 24 hours observation. During that time, they pushed IVs, antibiotics... I even had a 103° fever during the observation. It didn't seem like anything was being resolved at all.

Finally, they discharged me, saying that it was viral in nature and I should go home and get rest.

Then the bill came. $9,723. For every test they did, only to push rehydration IVs and antibiotics.

If you have anything in your heart to help, I would appreciate it. I've already applied for financial assistance and been denied because I make just above poverty line at work.