Jenny's Jottings

On Monday, I had my photo taken for the article for which I was interviewed for the The Chronicle of Higher Education. The photographer, Ken Frick, came to the library at school and took pictures of me there. He wanted a setting that looked like a home office area, so we used the reference office. He took a bazillion pictures of me sitting at the desk looking at my medical bills and insurance statements. Then he took another billion pictures of my insurance claims. The editors at the magazine will have lots to choose from. He was very friendly and easy to work with.

The author of the article, Elizabeth Farrell, called mid-week for a few clarifications and follow up questions. She says the article will be out next week. It will be in the online edition and the paper edition. She says she'll send me some paper copies! Most college libraries get The Chronicle of Higher Education, so we'll hopefully be able to track down copies, and far-flung friends and family will be able to see it, too.

Wednesday Molly and I also met with a very helpful person at school who was willing to look at my medical bills and insurance junk with me. She is even calling some of the providers to see if they would be willing to negotiate about total payments and payment plans. What a Godsend! Molly and I made a spreadsheet of the insurance and bills, so it seems easier to deal with. With the HCAP program, instead of owing something like $124,000, I probably will end up paying somewhere around $9,500. Much better, but still difficult on a student budget. I am much more confident now that things will work out!