Queenbee,

I'm in a very similar situation as you and I was actually looking for more ideas on how to pay for things as well!

I was laid off last year, denied insurance a few times (before any cancer), and am now basically self-employed. In February I had a biopsy, and in March I had a partial glossectomy in the hospital. I've got bills now for the doctor, hospital, anesthesia, anesthetist, pathologist, etc. amounting to thousands of dollars. This doesn't include any further treatment. I have yet to see an ENT. I can tell you what I've found out, since navigating the uninsured healthcare system is ridiculous!

Definitely check with your state or county to see what programs they have for low-income health care. Where I live, you have to be below the income requirement and without insurance for four months. Having two kids will probably be helpful because then you'll most likely have a higher income limit or more services will be available. (Sadly, childless people don't have as many options.)

If you've applied to insurance companies or are denied by your state, there might be health insurance you can apply for that you qualify for once you're denied. It's for the high-risk pool, so it's more expensive than standard insurance, but it might be worth it depending upon what you find out.

I've tried to search for non-profits/charities that could help with costs, but I haven't had a ton of luck. It was suggested to me to try your church if you attend one, because they might help with assistance, fundraisers, donations, etc.

If you end up with bills from the biopsy and/or treatment afterward, check with the hospital and every other party involved (since you'll get a bunch of separate bills). My surgeon discounted a lot off his charges because if I had state aid, he wouldn't have gotten more than that anyway. The hospital I went to had a "charity care" program but I couldn't qualify based on income (this is where having dependents helps out again!). I called the path lab to ask if they would give me a discount and they knocked off $100 (maybe 1/4 of the bill). Definitely call and ask because they won't necessarily offer it up. And if you can't pay your bills, hospitals are pretty willing to work out a payment plan so you can just pay a small amount every month.

Don't pay any bills until you try to get it paid for by insurance or get a discount. You have quite a while before they send a second bill, call you, etc.

Also, I had the biopsy and surgery through a university, so I think it was a little cheaper (at the least the biopsy had to be) and it's still probably the best hospital in the area.

Lastly, this is funny to say because I really have to follow my own advice...don't stress about the finances. I was SO stressed out before my surgery worrying about how I was possibly going to pay for things. I'm starting to realize it's just money and I can pay off the hospital little by little.

Good luck with the biopsy. Let me know if you find out any other good information!