If so, here are some tips that can help you fix your finances before they get any worse.
It’s impossible to prevent medical emergencies such as car accidents, slip and falls, and other injuries. When they happen, all you can think about is your health and how you’ll recover. But as you recover, something unhealthy happens: You get hit with medical bills for going to the hospital or the doctor. And when you see how high those bills are, it’s enough to make you even sicker than you were before.
How do some people pay for costly medical bills? They either do it via a hefty emergency fund or some other savings. But if you don’t have such savings, you’ll need assistance.
Here’s where to get it from a variety of sources that can help pay your medical bills or at least make them more manageable so you can relieve some of that sticker shock:
Contact the Healthcare Provider
Before you jump into any of the other ways to get help with paying medical bills, it’s best to contact the healthcare provider that’s billing you in the first place. So, if you had to go to the hospital, give them a call. Or, if a doctor is the one billing you, contact them ASAP.
When calling, let them know your situation. Tell them you cannot pay such a high bill, and it has you worried. They may ask some specifics, so be prepared to discuss your work situation or income.
When doing this, some healthcare providers have the power to drop the bill altogether. Others can reduce it to make the bill a lot less expensive, while others can put you on a payment plan that’s easy to handle and matches your budget. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the bills, as they won’t disappear on their own. The more proactive you are, the better.
Use GoFundMe
If you have no success negotiating lower bills through the healthcare provider, creating a GoFundMe may help. It can give your friends and family a way to donate to your cause, but even better, it can get the public involved.
Although you may be hesitant to create a fundraiser on GoFundMe, know that it can get you the cash you need quickly to pay off your medical debt. Thanks to the power of the Internet, this method has helped many people in a pinch.
Contact Your Local Religious Organization
A religious organization like a church can put the word out and create a fundraiser of its own. Your church or similar organization can help pay your medical bills relatively quickly by notifying such a tight-knit community.
Solicit the Help of a Medical Billing Advocate
If you want an expert to represent you, a medical billing advocate can help. They know all about medical bills, which helps them pinpoint expensive errors or negotiate lower costs. As you can imagine, these advocates charge for their service, but you may be able to get one for free through your workplace or by contacting the Patient Advocate Foundation.
Find a Disease-Specific Organization
Some organizations help pay medical bills for specific illnesses. You can search for such organizations related to your illness online. As a starting point, some examples are the HealthWell Foundation, the Patient Access Network Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation.
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