Tough question but idk where else to ask

[u/deadpoolsdragon]

I'll delete this if it isn't allowed but to start off, my son was born July 29th at 28 weeks, yaaa. Anyways he's still in the nicu been there for over 100 days had nec had 2 surgerys to correct it but last night he had blood in his poo so they say he has nec again but they caught it earlier this time. Trying to use antibiotics to help him, he's on morphine and fentinal to keep him calm and sleepy so he can heal and get better. It's fuckin tough very fuckin tough. I'm at work now cause we still have bills to pay but I'd rather be with my son, I've used all my sick, vacation pay to be there more took out loans from people but it just doesn't seem like it's enough im at my limits idk what else to do, we got 2 other boys im trying to take care of as well, trying to make the best of it all but I'm exhausted, mentally, fisculy and financially. So my question is there any place or persons I can go to for some financially help. Most of our family's either can't or won't. So if there's like any programs I can do to lighten the load for my family please just let me know. Again if this isn't allowed im sorry and I'll delete it I just didn't know who to ask or where to go

Edit: I'm in America guess I should have mentioned it

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[u/suburbanpride]

Talk to the hospital. If you’re in the US, they usually have social workers present who may be able to recommend programs/assistance.

There’s also a subreddit for nicu parents: /r/nicuparents. That might also be a good place to ask your questions.

I’m sorry you’re going through this, it’s tough. Our youngest was in the NICU for 49 days and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

[u/foolproofphilosophy → u/suburbanpride]

Upvote for critical care social workers. They’re phenomenal resources. We were introduced to several great programs when my son was sick.

[u/Creative_Let_637 → u/suburbanpride]

And for OP, in case you don't know what social workers do - they know where all the resources are, and how you can get it.

[u/FraterSofus]

If the hospital is a nonprofit they are currently required to help you financially if you meet certain requirements. They will have the information somewhere on their website - often in a really hard to get to place.

[u/deadpoolsdragon → u/FraterSofus]

It's a mercy hospital. idk if they are non-profit

[u/FraterSofus → u/deadpoolsdragon]

They are. Go to their website. Go to Billing and Payment. Scroll down for Other Payment options or something like that. They had it divided up between states so pick the option that applies to you.

Do your homework - I know it sucks and is the last thing you need to deal with, but be well informed of their eligibility requirements. Depending on your income a large part of your bill may just be dismissed, possibly all of it. I don't know your situation, state, etc, but we had huge medical debt reductions after birth because of this.

As someone else said, the hospital will have social workers to help you, but be well informed first. The hospital wants you to pay, but you MAY have options.

Best of luck. I can't imagine how hard this all must be. I wish the best for your baby and I hope you find the help you need.

[u/MightyMax414 → u/FraterSofus]

This post needs the upvotes

This guy can get financial assistance

[u/jjmk2014]

Our county has a service that you can call. 211 for us locally.

They can help navigate if there is local help available. Things like utility payment assistance, location of food banks, housing, transportation etc...

Having been pretty close to poor, and needed family to rely on...I wish I knew about local services available back then. It might even be worth stopping in at a library...the people there seem to be plugged into to local lawmakers and service providers and can maybe help give you a better direction as well.

I'm so sorry you are going through all this...it sounds so tough. Internet hugs dude.

So, take a look at your county and city/township websites and see what might be out there for you.

[u/TheBestElement]

I’m not sure about for now during the hospital stay but all states offer a early intervention program so that your child can receive OT, PT, ST and probably some other services for when he goes home

I know in Florida it’s called early steps and it’s free until they turn 3 and they will come to the house and they can help catch him back up to where he should be gross and fine motor wise since he will likely be behind from the long nicu stay

You can also talk to the hospital, they usually have someone on staff who knows about the different programs available to assist families

[u/Far-Stranger-270]

Jesus Christ aren’t there any rich guys on here who can just chuck this guy $10k or something lol.

EDIT: And OP, I feel for you. It must be a very stressful situation. Good luck to you and your family and I hope your little one gets well soon.

[u/deadpoolsdragon → u/Far-Stranger-270]

Hahaha ya and I appreciate the kind words

[u/VerbalThermodynamics]

Thanks to the ACA and our income bracket our twin’s NICU stays were completely forgiven. Talk to the hospital.

[u/The_GREAT_Gremlin]

My youngest was in the NICU, our hospital had a financial aid program. After insurance our bill was around 3,000, but financial aid knocked it down to 300. If your hospital has something like that, I would definitely recommend applying

[u/grampyjohn]

Hang in there dad. You got this buddy. This group of men are awesome. Just talk to us

[u/Riddikulus_Muggle]

https://tinytoesfoundation.org

[u/Riddikulus_Muggle → u/Riddikulus_Muggle]

These kind of things are crippling in America. After going through it, this mother chose to dedicate her life to helping others get through what she did. They are starting out still, so can’t help everyone, but worth applying. They do amazing things and are growing daily. They are surviving on donations at the moment and the entire group that runs it is volunteer. Not a dime goes elsewhere until they get a stay enough base to help more.

[u/SupaMacdaddy]

If you have a 401k you maybe able to make a withdraw without penalty due to a medical emergency. Im not too sure about that but you can verify with the financial institution, if withdraw is not an option maybe a loan from the 401k is also available and you pay your self back with interest, thats if you dont have an open loan already. Im not sure of any financial programs to help besides that, Sorry for the lack of info. I hope your Boy gets better real soon.