If you feel anxious every time you check the mail, you’re not the only one. Nearly 14 million people in the U.S. have over $1,000 in medical debt, and about 3 million owe more than $10,000. Even among those over age 65 and covered by Medicare, more than one in five adults ages 65 and older are struggling with medical debt. And let's be real– no one should have to choose between groceries and medical bills.
WorkMoney wants to help you wrangle your medical bills and potentially find some relief.
Being Proactive about Your Healthcare Costs
When you're planning for non-emergency surgeries or treatments, it's totally okay to chat with your provider ahead of time. Think about it like getting an estimate for a home repair or car fix– you deserve to know what to expect!
Thanks to the No Surprises Act, providers must give you a good-faith estimate of charges. You can ask for a breakdown of costs to understand what your insurance might cover and how much you'll have to pay. Remember, your insurance is on your side in this case, helping you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Also, don't shy away from asking your provider if there are any ways to cut down costs. Maybe fewer follow-up visits? Or switching to a more affordable medication? It never hurts to ask.
Hold Up! Don’t Pay That First Bill Just Yet
When it comes to medical bills, the first number you see isn't always the final number. A lot of people get that initial bill and think they have to pay it as is. But here's the thing: You have the right to understand those charges and question any prices that seem sky-high.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you out:
Ask for an itemized bill: This should list each service or procedure, its cost, and what your insurance has paid.
Go over your bill: Look for any errors. You'd be surprised how often double charges or charges for treatments you didn't receive can sneak in. Also, check if your costs match up with medical code charges and see if they align with your provider’s chargemaster sheet.
Negotiate: If you spot anything that doesn’t add up, talk to the hospital’s billing department. Ask them to explain the charges, fix any mistakes, or work out a lower balance or payment plan. You have options–use them!
Reach Out to Your Insurance – It Could Save You Money
Sometimes, your insurance might be to blame for a hefty medical bill. If you have insurance, your provider will send a claim for your treatment to your insurer. In some cases, the insurer might deny this claim, leaving you stuck with the entire amount.
Here’s the surprising part: In 2020, 20% of medical claims were denied, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). But fewer than 1% of those denials were appealed, which means most people never even question the decision. Don’t let that be you! Always call your insurance company to check for errors, ask about coverage details, or even request a reconsideration. You might be able to lower what you owe, or not have to pay altogether.
Do You Qualify for Charity Care?
Non-profit hospitals must offer charity care for uninsured and underinsured patients. Depending on your financial situation, you might qualify for their medical debt forgiveness programs. Each hospital has its own rules. Typically, hospitals look at factors like
Whether you are insured
If your income falls below the poverty line
Not sure if you qualify? Organizations like Dollar For can help! They’ll check your eligibility and guide you through the application process, so you don’t have to navigate it alone
Tackle Your Medical Bills with WorkMoney
Struggling with medical debt can seem like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to face it alone. That's where we come in. Our partner, Dollar For, offers a medical debt forgiveness program that may help lower your medical bills and even eliminate what you owe.
Need more help with debt? We can also guide you through bankruptcy options if you're feeling overwhelmed by medical debt. Let us help you find your path to financial freedom.
