<prompt> Human: Short story: I have mechanical dysphagia which can cause food to become lodged in my esophagus not allowing me to swallow even my own saliva. While I was between insurance coverages, moving to a new job, I had an episode and had no choice but to go to the ER where I ended up having an endoscopy to remove a bolus.The surgeons bill came to 1,000. Not so bad. My wife just handed me the Hospitals bill which reads at 11,000. I dont have that kind of cash laying around and could use some advice on how to handle getting this reducedpaying it off.Thanks in advance.UPDATE: All of you have been ridiculously helpful. Ive decided to elect COBRA coverage for just myself. We make too much to qualify for any type of charity care, just dont have cash on hand or liquid assets. The premium should come to about 600-700 per month for two months. Even better: I spoke to my HR person and shes offered to speak with our president about reimbursing me for half to all the cost due to a clerical issue with our system that has me still uninsured. Ive already paid the surgeons bill, but will be calling the office to see about getting that refunded and having them resubmit the bill to my insurance.Thanks again for the sage advice. Ill post an update once I get in touch with the various providers and have new costs.Assistant: Call the hospital and explain your financial situation. They may reduce your bill or set up a payment schedule. If they wont help with that send them a regular monthly payment of some amount. Usually theyll work with you under adverse circumstances. Did you decide against COBRA coverage? Human: I didnt get the paperwork to apply for COBRA until the day of the incident. So I couldnt have applied in time. Really crappy situation.Assistant: Cobra can be done retroactivelyHuman: How does that work?Assistant: If you are still within the 60 days window, you start paying for it and they cover from the day you were laid off.Human: So I would sign up, pay the cost and then have the hospital reissue the bill and bill via COBRA?  <response>: Former benefits coordinator here. Yes, if youre still in the 60 day window, you can do exactly that. You can also sign up for COBRA for just yourself. You dont have to buy the couple coverage, even if thats what you had before. Send in the paperwork immediately, and then call the hospital to let them know that youll be electing COBRA and will have them resubmit. They should be happy to work with you, as its a better guarantee of their money. 