I can no longer afford to get sick in NC. The Republican legislature is allowing counties to now tack on a “mileage charge” to ambulance bills. In my case, when my neighbor called EMS for me when I got sick last Nov, EMS tacked on a mileage charge of $128.12 for a 12 mi ride to the hospital. Medicare won’t pay that, so I’m stuck and cannot pay it, along with various other medical bills that are piling up.

I’ve even put off being seen for stuff I need done, simply because I can’t pay the exorbitant charges they would bring. It’s very frustrating, since I’ve always paid my bills, and I can’t expect my grandson to fill in the gaps. If I could get a job, I would, but I’ve tried the places I could work around here and can’t get hired. These bills are mounting up, past due, and I feel guilty because I’ve always paid my bills in the past. Furthermore, I have too much income (!) to qualify for Medicaid in the State of NC.

Grrrrrr! This just adds to my stress level and stress is not something I need.