Hi everybody. I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
As some of you know, back in November I had a pretty serious lupus flare that required me to stay in the hospital for 4 or 5 days for a blood transfusion and steroids to help stop the flare. Since I did not have insurance at the time (thanks, Matt Bevin!), I was unable to do any follow up visits with any of the doctors I was supposed to see—nor was I able to get a release to return to work, and at that time my boss would not allow me to come back without one.
After about a month, I was starting to panic a bit because I was getting behind on my bills, so I took the first job I could get—working at the Amazon warehouse. I was feeling a bit better, and I figured if anything, I could tough it out for a few weeks till I could find something more suitable. I ended up lasting about a week—I have arthritis in the joints of my feet, knees, hips, and lower back, and by the end of the week, the pain had gotten so bad I couldn’t handle it, even though I was taking the maximum doses of ibuprofen and Tylenol.
But then I had a nearly miraculous little stroke of luck. My boss called me to let me know I had a small paycheck sitting there—I had forgotten I had a few hours that went on the next pay period. When I went to pick it up, we talked a bit, and he asked me how I was doing. I told him I had taken a temporary job at Amazon. A few days later, he called again and asked me if I would like to have my old job back. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity. Being a night auditor at a hotel is not the greatest paying job in the world, but at least it is something I can do with the physical limitations I now have.
Another positive thing that has happened that I should mention is that I was able to get a Marketplace plan that took effect on the 1st. With the subsidies we are getting, I only have to pay $280 a month for a plan that covers not medical expenses, but also dental, vision, and fitness for not only me, but the whole family. The deductible isn’t too bad either—it is only $800.
So even though I managed to get my job back, being off work for a month—plus having to pay the $800 ambulance bill in order to avoid being sued, has put me seriously behind on all my bills—that is the lot rent, mortgage payment on my mobile home, electric bill, water bill and insurance for the car—plus all the late fees tacked on. With the income I have coming in right now, I can afford the regular monthly bills, but it isn’t enough to get out of the hole, and also be able to afford things like gas for the car and groceries for my family. I had to take out a payday loan last month in order to cover the lot rent and keep us afloat, which I have been having to renew every two weeks when it comes due.
I have been trying desperately to find a second job that I can physically do in order to get everything caught up, and also to start paying down the hospital bill. Most of the jobs available around here, however, are low paying positions that require a lot of repetitive lifting and standing on your feet for hours on end, which I can apparently no longer do. I applied for a part time call center job at Valvoline in Lexington, but it may be a few weeks until I hear from them—in any case, I would not start training until February. I could go to work right away as a food delivery driver, but they said they could not hire me until I put insurance on the car and can get at least a cheap android phone. But even if I could start working for them today, I still have some pressing bills that have to be paid right away or we are going to not only get our utilities shut off, we are going to be evicted.
Our most pressing bills are for—
Lot rent of $410, including late fees. This is the most urgent one since they will take me to court to evict us if it is not paid by the 13th (Monday).
Electric bill—this is $275 this month since we heat with electricity. I called the electric company and they said it would be cut off on the 21st if it is not paid.
The car insurance—I checked around, and the cheapest insurance I could get is through Safe Auto—they offered to get me started for $89, and then I will only have to pay about $68 a month.
So we need a total of about $775 in order to cover these bills. If I can get some help paying for these most urgent bills, I can cover the mortgage payment, the water bill, and paying the premiums on my health insurance, while being able to pay for things like groceries and gas for the car. I could also get a cheap android phone so i could take the delivery job on the side if need be, and the call center job doesn’t pan out.
Once I get caught up on my bills, I can start saving some money out of every paycheck in order to cover the deductible so I can start seeing a doctor again in order to keep this lupus under control, and also be able to obtain treatment for my arthritis and high blood pressure—this is key for me to be able to work steadily and keep from ending up in a situation like this again. I will also be able to save money to get out from under the payday loan.
We greatly appreciate any help anyone out there might be able to give us. I hate having to do this, but I have tried everything else. I don’t have any family members who are able or willing to help.
My oldest daughter’s paypal address is hotaruhana2@gmail.com. But even if you cannot donate money, recommending, tipping, and sharing this diary is also a big help.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
UPDATE:
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, as of right now, we have received a total of $105, leaving us with a remaining need of $670!
We just received a few more generous donations, and now we are at a total of $385. Nearly halfway there. Thank you, Kossacks, for all of your help. You don’t know how much this means to me and my family.
We are now up to $410. I will be able to go in the morning when I get off work and pay the lot rent. What a relief! Thank you guys! Since I have to work tonight, I am going to go and take a nap for a little while before I have to get up and get ready. I will check back in a little while.
Well I just got up from my little nap and I’m getting ready for work. The total is now up to $555! I will not only be able to pay the lot rent, I will also be able to put insurance back on the car. Now we only have $220 to go. Thank you so much for helping to take some of this burden off my shoulders!
Wow, guys thank you! Now the total is up to $640—only $135 to go. Kossacks are some of the best people you will find anywhere.
WOW—our goal was just met. Thank you Daily Kos!