Most doctor visits will end with a bill that you can prepare for, but sometimes that bill will include a huge surprise. Receiving a surprise medical bill that isn’t covered by your insurance can be a triple whammy.
This can be devastating to deal with on top of the pain that you are feeling from a medical condition. If you or a member of your family has received a medical bill you can’t afford, we can help.
Keep reading to learn about the different ways that you can pay for surprise medical bills.
Utilizing Charitable Assistance
There are popular charitable organizations that help pay for medical needs. This includes the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the National Organization for Rare Diseases.
Other charities may provide more focused financial help. These charities provide support by providing reimbursements and grants specific to the medical needs present.
Those seeking charity assistance should check if there is an application process and whether applications may need to be filled out for each bill. Most of these charities are funded by donations.
So the amount of money available at a given time may differ. Utilizing charitable assistance is a helpful way to pay for surprise medical bills.
Negotiate Lower Costs
When faced with a surprise medical bill, the first step is to negotiate lower costs with the medical provider. To do this, it is important to have a full understanding of the bill breakdown.
This will help articulate a reasonable payment plan for the provider. Make sure to communicate with the provider about any hardships that may have caused the medical bill to become unexpected.
You can also negotiate long-term payment plans, discounts, and other payment methods to help make the bill more manageable. Seek the help of a financial planner or tax professional if you need assistance understanding the bill breakdown.
Take Out a Personal Loan
Paying unexpected medical bills can be challenging, but Ready Payday Loans can be a viable option. In order to do so, calculate what you owe and then determine a suitable loan amount that will cover your medical costs.
Take a look at multiple lenders. Compare interest rates and repayment terms to find the best option for your financial situation. Once you’ve found the ideal choice, fill out the loan agreement and, if needed, provide proof of income, along with any other documents the lender might require.
Once the loan is approved, the loan amount should be electronically deposited into your bank account. This allows you to pay for the surprise medical bills.
Keep in mind that you must repay the loan according to the terms you agreed on. Be sure to manage finances to avoid defaulting on the loan.
Utilize Credit Cards
Utilizing credit cards is one option to help ease the burden of surprise medical bills. For those with existing credit cards, using them to pay medical bills is an easy way to spread out the cost over time.
If a credit card is not available, it is possible to apply for one. With good credit, some will have the option of getting a 0% introductory rate.
This can save some money by avoiding interest payments. Also, many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses and reward points that can be used for future costs related to medical expenses.
For example, one can receive a $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first three months. You can also receive 5% cash back on certain purchases.
Utilizing a credit card for surprise medical bills is a viable option for those who need a short-term payment plan. It helps manage the stress and cost of an unexpected bill.
Take Advantage of Crowdfunding Sites
One way to pay for surprise medical bills is to take advantage of crowdfunding sites. Crowdfunding sites have become increasingly popular as individuals and organizations can crowdsource donations from those willing to help.
This can be a great way to relieve some of the burdens of major medical bills. Before getting started, make sure to read the website’s rules and guidelines.
Some websites, such as GoFundMe, provide a system to track donations and make sure they go to the right place. Also, consider setting up a goal that you feel will cover your medical bills.
You must also set a timeline for donating. After setting up the page, you can then spread the word and promote your page to friends, family, and anyone else who is willing to help.
Seeking Governmental Resources
There are government benefits that can provide financial assistance in these situations. Those with low incomes might qualify for Medicaid, which can help with medical costs.
Medicare can also be utilized by those over 65 and those with certain disabilities. Veterans may qualify to receive assistance through a department in Veterans Affairs.
If one is active-duty military personnel, one can contact a Tricare provider. It provides both prevention and treatment plans for unexpected costs.
In addition, several private and nonprofit organizations may be able to provide aid. It is important to review eligibility criteria and the availability of these options as each may have restrictions, such as income thresholds.
Regardless of a person’s situation, one must take the time to research and apply for intangible financial resources. By doing this, you may be able to cover your medical debt.
Leveraging Insurance Coverage
Contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage for the medical service. There may be exceptions or reasons why coverage wasn’t available when you needed it.
Make sure to read through all the fine print carefully and be prepared to negotiate. If needed, you can also reach out to the medical service provider and try to negotiate a more reasonable payment.
Additionally, consider filing an appeal with your insurance provider to request more coverage. Though the process may take time, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Strategies for Paying Surprise Medical Bills
When you receive surprise medical bills, don’t panic. Know that you have options.
Consider seeking out guidance if you’re still feeling overwhelmed. Armed with the right knowledge, you can secure the care you need.
If you found this article interesting, check out our other blog posts.
