Anonymous asked this question on 3/12/2000:

Each state has a Victims Crime center, VA is limited to 15000. I have already reached my limit, however medical bills way exceed this amount and I have never nor will I be able to return to work full time SS denied of course, does any one have any other source that may help?

jellygator gave this response on 3/19/2000:

You indicated that most aid was out of the question. In some states, medicaid/medicare used to be available to individuals & families that have excessive medical bills. If you can show that the amount you owe is over a certain percentage of your income, you will be eligible to have supplemental medicaid insurance and/or they will intervene with the hospital.

Another thing you can try is to contact the hospital directly. First, analyze your bill. More than 50% contain billing errors. Identify any procedures that were not covered by your insurance and find out the reasons they were not covered.

Once you have this information, the original bill, a receipt showing what amounts insurance paid, and anything (newspaper clippings, court paperwork) that shows that you were victimized, sit down and draft a letter to the hospital board of directors requesting that some or all of your liability be "relieved". Describe any billing errors you find, and specify your household income and offer to provide proof (a W-2 form or tax return). Keep a copy of your letter for yourself. If the hospital refuses to waive some of the fees, consider writing to your congressman and asking for his assistance, enclosing all the documentation described above. If all else fails, contact local newspaper reporters with your story. If they write it up, you will likely receive donations and the hospital will be pressured to provide relief.

Many insurance companies have agreements with medical providers to cut prices for services. These are known as "managed care plans" and are not the same as percentage-based insurance. Why do the doctors agree? Because they make a profit even at the cut rates. Consider calling your insurance company's customer service to see if they can offer assistance, too. I have not heard of that happening with med. insurance, but they are sure to have a legal department that can talk with you.

Good luck!