Housing ReliefFollow these tips, and you could eliminate your medical debt without paying a penny out of pocket.
When you receive a hefty medical bill in the mail, it’s easy to feel frustrated. You may even feel scared. However, one thing you should not feel is alone, as there are 72 million people in the same boat who are drowning in medical debt.
While that statistic may not offer much relief, this can: Knowing that there are organizations and methods out there that can put a significant dent in your medical debt or pay it altogether.
Here they are:
Start a GoFundMe
Before you roll your eyes or say to yourself, “There’s no way I will do that,” know that GoFundMe is one of the best ways to raise a ton of cash in very little time. By writing your story in detail and telling others why you need help with medical bills, there’s a good chance you’ll find the assistance you need from friends and family, plus the general public.
Call the Healthcare Provider That’s Billing You
What’s the worst thing you can do with medical bills? Ignore them, as they certainly won’t disappear on their own. On the other hand, the best thing you can do is be proactive and attack the issue head-on, which is why calling the healthcare provider in question is a must early on in the process.
Sure, you may feel overwhelmed at how much your medical bills are, but by calling the hospital or doctor behind the bill, you can lower the amount with minimal effort.
Before making the call, prepare your story. You want to describe why you cannot pay the bill due to low income, the inability to work, kids to take care of, etc. In doing so, you let the provider know your situation so they can make their move.
In some cases, healthcare providers can drop bills entirely and eliminate your debt in one swoop. In other cases, they can lower the bills to make them easier to pay, or put you on a payment plan with no interest that won’t significantly impact your monthly budget.
Look for Organizations That Deal With Your Specific Illness
What do these organizations have in common?
- The CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
- The Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- The HealthWell Foundation
They’re all examples of organizations that offer medical bill assistance for specific illnesses. In the case of the PAN, they handle 70 illnesses, so contact them and see if they can help. If not, keep trying and searching online for organizations tied to your situation.
Get in Touch With a Medical Billing Advocate
You may be able to get a medical billing advocate for free through the Patient Advocate Foundation or your employer. They’ll take a look at your medical bills to search for errors or negotiate a lower amount. If you can’t get one for free, their fee may be worth it, as they can greatly reduce medical bills through their expertise.
See if Your Local Church Can Help
Churches can step in and set up fundraisers through the community to help people with mounting medical bills that they cannot pay.
