Santa Barbara and need help with Major Dental work. Who can help me?

Have you talked with your dentist, to see what type of "self-pay" or "uninsured" discount they can provide? They will also have a payment plan, where you can pay for your treatment in monthly installments.

One of my conditions is also not covered by my insurance, and I had to talk with the doctor, the hospital, the lab, the anesthesiologist, the x-ray department...all separately (time-consuming!)...but it amounted in 40%-60% discount off the regular prices for those of us who are "self-pay" patients. Basically, it works the same way as if you had insurance, and is what the insurance company does on your behalf (the price negotiating for us)---now as self-pay/uninsured patients we have to do our own negotiating. And, actually, I did not have to negotiate or have any difficult discussions---most of the prices were already established with this self-pay discount, and I just had to show proof that this condition or treatment was not covered.

I am also worried about your emotional health, as your last statement, "my life is wasting away"...is this from frustration, or is this a bigger statement that you feel your life is literally wasting away (not worth living?). Statements like these are profound, especially on a health site, so please let us know if this is venting and frustration, or something deeper.

Please talk with your dentist about payment options, and how long you would would have to pay the $12,000. So many people are in this same situation, unfortunately. It is heartbreaking.

The only other thing I can think of: a Health Savings Plan, but that may be irrelevant in your situation.

Please let us know what you find out, after speaking with your dentist and/or any other health care professionals or the clinic's business/financial office.