I got a significant bill last summer, while I was unemployed due to the ongoing pandemic. I tried explaining I couldn't pay it or afford the monthly payments they were offering. I applied for financial assistance and was denied for being out of network. I tried refuting it and spent weeks talking to multiple people. I asked the billing office what I could do or if there were any mother options, and she replied "let it go to collections or take out a loan".

I then called my insurance to start a claim and see if they could renegotiate, check the charges, etc. Nothing. Insurance said the only thing I could do is talk with the hospital. I think the bill is in collections at this point.

While I found part time work since, I'm still underemployed and trying to find another part time job, but that's hard while going to school full time.

I'm sure it'll all work out in the end, but damn.