Unpaid Medical Bills Got You Down? Make Them Go Away
When unexpected medical bills pop up, most people panic. You may be wondering how you’re ever going to get on top of that huge bill from the emergency room or your doctor. Believe it or not, you have a lot of options. The worst thing you can do is not visit a doctor when you really need one. You should never let the fear of a high bill keep you from getting the medical attention that you need — it can truly become a life-or-death situation.
Ask for Help from a Patient Advocate
If you have a high medical bill that you aren’t able to pay, ask to speak with a Patient Advocate. This is a great option if you have unexpected medical bills from a hospital. Almost every hospital has a Patient Advocate on staff, and the best part is that these professionals are there specifically to help patients.
They act as the middleman between the patient and the billing department and are often able to negotiate or arrange solutions that you wouldn’t be able to accomplish on your own.
Always Review Your Medical Bills
Never, ever pay a medical bill without reviewing it first. You’d be surprised at how often billing mistakes occur. Many patients pay their bills blindly, assuming the charges are accurate.
When you’re expecting a high bill, you may not notice extra charges that don’t belong there. Always thoroughly check your bill — no matter the amount — before making even one payment.
Dealing with Debt Collectors
If you’ve ignored your medical bills and are now being inundated with calls from collectors, don’t ignore them. Avoiding phone calls or deleting messages will only make things worse.
Most bill collectors understand that you can’t pay the entire balance immediately. They may be willing to set up a payment plan or even reduce the total amount owed if you can make a significant payment upfront.
Seek Assistance Programs When Needed
There’s a negative stigma surrounding local and state assistance programs, but there shouldn’t be. If you’re genuinely struggling to pay off medical debt, reach out for help. These programs exist for a reason, and there’s no shame in using them when needed.
Negotiate and Explore Payment Options
Remember, every medical bill — whether from a specialist, primary doctor, or hospital — is negotiable. The more open you are to negotiation, especially if you can pay in cash, the more cooperative collectors and healthcare providers will be.
If you don’t have the cash available to pay your medical bills, one of the best short-term solutions is an auto title loan. These loans are ideal for covering overdue bills quickly, and since no credit check is required, you can get the cash you need faster than traditional loans.
Embassy Loans offers fast and easy car title loans, personal loans, and credit builder loans to help you cover medical expenses and take control of your finances. Call us today at (833) 839-2274 to get started!
