How to Make Your Medical Bills More Affordable
Monday, June 5, 2017, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Even if you have health insurance, it can be difficult to pay medical bills after a long illness, surgery, or accident.
Millions of people have to file for bankruptcy each year because of medical bills. In fact, it is estimated that 62 percent of personal bankruptcy cases are due to medical bills.
With all the changes coming to healthcare and insurance providers it can be hard to know what might be covered in future.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do in order to make paying medical bills more affordable.
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Review Bills
Before you pay any medical bills, make sure the statement is accurate. Billing errors are extremely common.
In fact, it is estimated that 50 to 80 percent of medical billing errors result in overcharges.
You may have been billed for procedures or services that were not performed.
Some people are double-charged for services.
That is why it is important to review your medical bills.
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Negotiate
Your medical bill may not be fixed. Not only can you negotiate with the doctor’s office or hospital, but you can also negotiate with the insurance provider.
Make sure you talk to the medical billing manager. You have to be persistent.
You can call, email, and write a letter asking for a discounted medical bill.
If the insurance provider, doctor’s office, or hospital agrees to lower the bill, then this is something you will need to get it in writing.
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Get Assistance
If you are a low-income earner struggling to pay medical bills, you may want to consider asking for assistance.
There are many programs that can help you pay your medical bills. You may be able to get financial assistance through the hospital that treated you.
If you are unable to get financial assistance through the hospital, then there are local charities that can also help.
If your injuries were the result of an accident, you have the option of contacting an attorney.
You may be able to get compensation which you can use to pay all or part of your medical bills.
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Ask for a Prompt Pay Discount
Paying the bill in full can be difficult. However, you can save money by doing this.
Many hospitals and doctor’s offices will offer you a 10 percent discount if you pay the full bill within 30 days. See if this is an option for your budget.
It can be difficult to pay your medical bills when they get to be expensive. Always remember that there are many options out there for paying your bills, getting discounts, and saving money.
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Eileen O’Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Check out her Twitter @eileenoshanassy.
