How to Get Help to Pay My Medical Bills

Unpaid medical bills can cause financial hardship, ruin credit and even lead to bankruptcy. Learn how you can get help paying your medical bills, overcome financial challenges and reduce your debt.

Instructions

1. Contact the doctor's office or hospital to obtain a settlement regarding the medical bill. They may lower your bill by 20% or more if they know you will have difficulty paying the bill in full.

2. Apply for state and county assistance. Many locations offer aid to pay medical bills based on income and number of dependents. These aid programs may not cover all medical expenses but can help ease the financial strain.

3. Set up a payment plan with the doctor's office or hospital. Though this does not provide immediate financial assistance, it can make medical bills more affordable if you cannot pay them right away.

4. Obtain a loan to consolidate your medical bills. By consolidating your medical bills into a loan payment, you can spread the payments out over time. Having several low payments can create a lesser financial hardship than one lump sum payment.

5. Ask local charities and organizations for assistance. They may be able to offer some financial assistance to reduce your medical bills based on the situation, your income and number of dependents.

Tips & Warnings

• Inform your doctor you do not have insurance before an appointment. He or she may reduce charges, not bill for some treatments and offer prescription samples. Examine your bill. Many medical bills contain mistakes such charges for services not received and double billing. Removing errors can significantly reduce the cost.

References

• Patient Money