Community rallies around Utah man, 80, who is now bagging groceries to pay off his wife’s $80,000 medical bills — four years after she died. Here’s how to handle bills you can’t afford

Care, costs and a commitment

As an architect, KSBY reports, Saling rose to the top after being raised by a hard-working single mother, designing estates for the ultrawealthy and landing on Architectural Digest’s prestigious annual top 100 list.

After raising two sons alone following a divorce, Saling says he found unexpected love in 1991, at a red light.

“I mean, it was the exact instant. We both raised our sunglasses,” he said.

The woman was Carol, an artist. They later discovered they’d been regulars at the same coffee shop for years. In 2017, Carol was diagnosed with Sundown syndrome, a form of dementia. The couple moved to southern Utah to be closer to a neurologist.

“The neurology was covered by Medicare,” Saling said. “What wasn't covered was the promise that I would keep her at home and never put her in a nursing home.”

Carol passed away in 2021. But Saling works five days a week, long past retirement, to pay for her medical bills he still owes.

Duana Johnson, who runs a local ministry, noticed Saling working and decided to act.

“I saw Gary bagging groceries, and I thought, ‘What’s this guy? Why is this elderly man still here?'” she told KSBY News.

She launched a fundraiser, opening a donation account at the State Bank of Southern Utah and setting up a Venmo account. Around $2,000 has been raised so far.

“I’m trying to raise enough money for him to be able to retire and not have to worry about working anymore,” Johnson said.

Saling didn’t expect the spotlight, but doesn’t regret a single choice.

“I made the promise to keep her at home and never put her in a nursing home,” he said, “because I took vows.”

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How to manage large medical bills

If you're facing overwhelming medical bills, like Saling, you're not alone. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this burden.

Always ask for an itemized bill

Always ask for an itemized bill, which breaks down each charge by medical code. This can help with finding mistakes, like duplicate charges or services not rendered.

Platforms like Grok and Openhand use artificial intelligence to analyze medical bills and identify potential overcharges.

Negotiate the bill

Many hospitals and providers are open to negotiation. You can:

• Ask for a discount for paying the bill in full up front.
• Request a discount based on your financial situation.
• Inquire about payment plans or financial assistance programs.

Apply for charity care or financial assistance

Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance programs, known as charity care under the Affordable Care Act. These programs can reduce or even eliminate your medical bills based on income and family size.

Use assistance programs and advocacy resources

While the U.S. government doesn't provide direct debt relief for medical bills, there are related programs:

• Programs like Medicare and Medicaid cover a significant portion of medical expenses for eligible individuals.
• Some states, like Utah, offer additional assistance for medical expenses.
• 211.org is a free, confidential service connects individuals with local resources, including medical assistance programs.
• The Patient Advocate Foundation offers support in negotiating medical bills and understanding your rights.

Explore low-interest loans or credit options

If you're not able to pay the medical bills up front, there are other options you can consider:

• Some financial providers offer medical credit cards with promotional 0% interest for a set period.
• Banks or credit unions may offer loans with lower interest rates compared to credit cards.
• There are financial institutions that specialize in medical financing.

Consider bankruptcy — as a last resort

If the medical bills are too much to handle and you’ve exhausted other options, bankruptcy may be an alternative:

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy can discharge unsecured debts, including medical bills.
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows for a repayment plan over time.

Check in with a bankruptcy attorney to understand the implications and figure out if this is the right path for you.

Lastly, you’ll want to stay organized and keep records of all communications and documents related to your medical bills. And seek professional help from a financial advisor or credit counselor for personalized assistance.