For context, I’m a 26 year old recovering addict who has been clean since January. I was very close to losing my job, which is a great career, due to my addiction. I make over $23 an hour, have free, if kind of shitty, health insurance, and I haven’t had any kind of slip up since then.
The thing is, this has been a multiple year ordeal. During that time, I ran up credit cards, loans, etc., which I’m still paying off. I don’t qualify for Medicaid because I make too much, but with approximately $550 in CC/Loan repayments per month, it’s very hard to find room for any other monthly payments that I haven’t already had for a while.
So in January, my employer told me I needed to start getting compliant drug tests for the next 12 months. I’ve been going to this same place since then, at least biweekly. I don’t mind that. But today, on May 2, I got my bill, for $1,300 due on May 15.
I don’t have the money to cover this. I will get fired if I don’t have a place to do my tests. They offer payment plans but nothing lower than $110 per month, which is still not obtainable for me. They offer a hardship waiver but you have to apply for Medicaid first, and I don’t know how long it’ll take for me to get denied.
Do any of you have any experience with getting a facility to work with you on a payment plan that is tailored to be something you can actually meet? Is don’t really know what I’m doing here besides looking for some sort of advice that will get this pit out it my stomach. I don’t know what I’m going to do.
I know I got myself into this mess. I’m seriously considering bankruptcy at this point. I have a private landlord, paid off car, etc. so credit is almost useless to me at this point in time. What does this sub think about that route?
Sorry mods if this isn’t allowed. Thanks for listening. I’ve never had something like this happen before. Any pointers are welcome. Thanks in advance.
Can’t Afford my Rehab Bill…Also Can’t Afford to Not Go.
byu/yozo67 inpersonalfinance
Posted by yozo67
2 Comments
Recovered addict here. I have found if you are honest with your employer most of time they will figure something out. I would go have a frank conversation with your HR dept or whoever is the ones managing your drug screens. Tell them the situation.
In general people like helping people that are honestly trying to turn their life around.
Idk what state or country you live in, but if you were employed at this same company before the tests, ie the tests are not part of the hiring process, the company is responsible for paying this. I would do a quick google search for where you live, I would imagine the liability for a drug test is on your employer, regardless of whether or not you were an addict. Not a lawyer, you should do your own research.