How to Get Medical Bills Help

Are you struggling with unpaid medical bills? Help may come in a variety of forms, but you'll need to be proactive in seeking a solution. From government assistance, to payment and charity care plans, there are many options for getting medical bills help. Here are some steps that you can take to begin to find your way out of mounting medical bill debt:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Apply for Medicaid. Medicaid is a program that is administered jointly by federal and state governments to provide medical bills help for certain categories of people. Pregnant women, children and teens, the elderly, blind and disabled may be eligible. Each eligibility category has different income limits, so you'll need to check with the agency in your state that administers the program. The program can generally cover medical bills that were incurred up to three months before the date that you apply. In general, able bodied adults do not qualify, even if they do not make much money.

2. Request a charity care application from the doctor or hospital. While small offices generally don't offer such a plan for medical bills help, many hospitals do offer charity care. Generally, you'll need to fill out an application and provide proof of your income. The hospital may waive all charges, or may reduce the amount you owe by a certain percentage.

3. Set up a payment plan. Many doctors and hospitals are willing to provide medical bills help through a monthly payment plan. Even if you owe a lot of money, you might be surprised to find that you can make low monthly payments, often interest free. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem, as many people do when they face mounting bills. Don't ignore your bills – get in touch with the billing department to see what kind of arrangements can be made.

4. Negotiate a reduced amount with the creditor. Medical creditors are generally more amenable to making favorable payment arrangements with you than other kinds of creditors. Especially if you've been unable to make regular payments, you might be able to negotiate medical bills help in the form of a lump sum payment to satisfy your debt. This is a good idea if you'll be receiving an influx of cash, like an inheritance or income tax refund. Even if you don't qualify for charity care, you may be able to negotiate a settlement. There are debt settlement negotiators that can help you with this process, for a fee, of course.

5. Consider filing bankruptcy as a last resort. If you've exhausted all avenues for medical bills help, you can get out from under your debt by filing for bankruptcy. Discuss this option with an experienced bankruptcy attorney, since this step has far reaching consequences.

6. Get low cost insurance for the future. Check with your state health care authority to find out if there are any fully or partially subsidized insurance programs for which you may be eligible. If you can't afford full insurance coverage, you may be able to purchase insurance that is limited to catastrophic illness or injury.

[paulusgrandis]

on 10/14/2009 I love reading your articles as they are very informative and well written!! Definitely 5* and recommended!! :)

[DreamLiving]

on 5/25/2009 Don't pay bills of the deceased (unless you're an Executor and approved through the court). This is a new area collector's are using. Also, you can sue the doctor. That's right! My mom was misdiagnosed with a sinus infection. I received a call from the hospital while my mom was with Hospice (for a brain tumor). When I told them I was shocked they had the nerve to call and that we were considering a lawsuit, they never called (or sent a bill) again. Great article for those doctors who are "on target."

[starlet67]

on 5/7/2009 Good tips to help lower your medical bills!5*