After all, you dont have the money to pay for that trip you took to the emergency room.
Its probably of small comfort, but youre not the only one facing steep medical costs.
Need a Hand With Bills?
Medical credit cardsmay sound like a good deal, but watch out. You may end up paying a lot more money in the long run.
Listen, we know its tough out there.
But theres no shame in asking for help.
These companiesmake it easy to help yourself and your bank account.
At least, not in the beginning.
And almost all of them will accept less than the full amount owed.
If you dont, then the full maximum amount is pursued and its pursued aggressively.
Then follow these step-by-step strategies.
Stop Procrastinating
First of all, you gotta initiate the envelope.
Theyve got about three or four months to talk to the hospital, he said.
First, understand if this is a bill from your health provider or health insurance company.
Its best to reach out to your health care provider and ask them how much you still owe.
you’ve got the option to also request an itemized bill.
They can switch a bill from being billed to charity care within the first 90 days, Antico said.
Even if you make more than two to three times the poverty level, theyll give you a discount.
However, deciding how much your budget can handle is essential before you call your medical provider.
Related:Best Budgeting Apps to Get Your Finances Together in 2025
4.
Even if youve heard from a debt collection agency, there is still hope to negotiate with the provider.
I would start by going back to the originating provider not dealing with the bill collector, Goff said.
Drowning in Expenses?
Maybe youre scrambling after your car broke down.
Or you got a medical bill you werent expecting.
Or inflation has finally pushed your budget over the edge.
You dont need to go it alone.
When money is tight,these resourcescan help you manage unexpected expenses without stress.
Working directly with the provider to arrange a payment schedule is definitely in your best, ahem, interest.
And theyll take almost any payment plan that someone wants to pay.
Learn From Your Mistakes
Just because youre in debt doesnt mean it always has to be that way.
it’s possible for you to learn from your mistakes and not put yourself further in debt.
If you do have health insurance, understanding your health benefit plan is essential to preventing unwanted surprises.
That includes finding out what services you might not realizearecovered.
Youre losing out on the benefit, including an opportunity to avoid greater illness.
If youre going to run into an economic problem, say something early to your physician.
After all, its easier to feel better when you have the remedy for your financial health, too.
Read on:
We Dare You to Take Control of Your Debt
Up for a debt challenge?
In 10 days,these 10 practical stepscould help you get back on the right financial track.
Tiffany Wendeln Connors is the deputy editor at The Penny Hoarder.
Senior writer Mike Brassfield contributed to this report.
