Medical Bill Pile Up: Help!

It is not uncommon for medical bill pile-up to occur – especially after an accident. With that said, it is not a good idea to allow the problem to snowball out of control. The bills will still need to be paid when all is said and done; only your credit will suffer as a consequence of late or non-payments.

You do have options for keeping on top of your medical bills, even if you can’t make payments as they are due. Good organization is a key aspect of knowing how much is owed on each medical bill, and when those bills are due for payment.

Keeping Accurate Medical Bill Records

When medical bills are piling up, checking the accuracy of charges is of the utmost importance. Never assume that charges are correct. If you have health insurance, check to make sure that you are not overpaying on your policy.

The same applies to any organization that bills you for medical costs. If you are receiving treatment from doctors, hospitals, or therapists, keep a record of your appointments, treatments received, and costs. That way, when you receive your medical bill for those services, it is much easier to confirm that you were charged correctly.

Managing Your Budget

Out-of-pocket costs may be covered at a future date as a result of an insurance or personal injury claim. However, until such time, you will likely need to tighten your purse strings to keep on top of things. You can save money on things like grocery bills, clothes, gas etc. Buy store-brand items, use coupons, and cut out any luxury food items until you are back on your feet.

The same goes for clothes. Shop around for the best deals on the types of clothes that you want. You will be surprised at the quality of workmanship that goes into discount-brand clothing. You can also use apps that will alert you about nearby deals when you are out clothes shopping.

Insurance and Medical Providers

Never be afraid to speak about payment options with your insurance company or any medical professional who is providing you with care. Most providers have provisions in place to allow spread-out or delayed payments for medical services.

For instance, you may wish to make an arrangement with a doctor’s lien. These agreements, which are legally binding contracts, allow you to agree to make payments at a future date from the award received for a personal injury claim. However, it is not advisable to enter into such an agreement without the representation of a lawyer.

Debt Management Helplines

There are various state, federal, and independent helplines available to people who are struggling with medical bill payments. One option is the 2-1-1 service, which will help you connect with a financial counselor where you live. You can also call the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at 800-388-2227.

If a personal injury has caused your medical costs to increase, contact Edwards & Patterson today for a consultation with our expert lawyers.