Soon after I arrived home from the hospital the amount of incoming bills and paperwork became overwhelming. It was growing into a huge pile that I was reluctant to acknowledge. I keep thinking I would be able to deal with it "next week". In retrospect I realize my mistake was waiting so long to deal with it. I felt so relieved after I "took charge" of this.

Even though I did not know yet how I was going to pay the bills, organizing them made me feel like I had made a big step in the right direction, giving me a sense of some control. I added paperwork as it came in and could easily keep track of each resource.

I suggest getting a notebook and making tabs for each Doctor, clinic or lab that you receive billing or insurance information from. Set up a tab on assistance, patient advocate foundations, resources and applications also. I put the insurance responses with the bills and made notes on flags of what was paid and whom I had contacted for setting up payments or aid.

I was amazed at how helpful the people in the different billing or accounting offices were. They appreciated my contacting them and discussing my financial issues. I found approaching them instead of waiting to be put into collections was very successful. They really want to hear from you, feel for you and want to do what they can to work with you. You can imagine they get angry, frustrated callers most of the time so a friendly plea from someone in need is actually welcomed. Be calm and appreciative in your approach and you will get so much more!