My parents' medical and pharmacy bills are depleting most of their monthly income however, they do not qualify for medicaid . They have zero savings and still pay on a mortgage and also do not qualify for low income housing. They live in MO. Thank you for any suggestions.
Financial aid is available to some people who have high medical bills. Call the billing dept. and ask about financial aid. It will depend upon how high their bills are. I'm not talking a payment plan but assistance in paying the bills. There are many forms to fill out, a need for assistance has to be established, but it's worth looking into if they're having trouble keeping up.
I assume they're on Medicare but that there are additional costs which aren't covered? Do they have a Medigap or a supplemental plan that picks up the costs Medicare doesn't pay? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has a Medigap Plan C which picks up what Medicare doesn't pay; we haven't paid a cent for noncovered costs in years. I don't know if other Blue Cross plans in other states are similar to Michigan's plan though.
Depending on the mortgagee, you might contact the lender and see if some kind of lower payment and extended amortization plan can be worked out.
There's always United Way or call 411 to ask about programs that might help. Area Agency on Aging might have suggestions as well.
Our electrical supplier has a senior citizens rate; check with your utilities to see if they do. And contact your parents' other creditors (phone, etc.) to see if they offer senior rates.
Best wishes for success in getting them some help.
In regards to 'giving their money to kids', I have been paying half of their mortgage for a few years as well as covering other costs such as installing a stair lift, maintenance when it breaks down, replacing the air conditioning unit, etc.