Good NestingWhen you’re hit with a medical emergency out of the blue, the only thing on your mind is getting better. Unfortunately, once you get better, those medical bills start rolling in. And depending on what work you had done, you may be wishing that you never got help in the first place.
Unless you have deep pockets or a massive emergency fund, you’ll probably end up going into medical debt due to unexpected bills. There’s no need to feel alone, though, as over 72 million people in the U.S. have the same issue.
Whether you’re recovering from a car accident, slip and fall, or some other injury, here are ways to get medical bill assistance so you can heal without worrying about money.
Resources for Medical Bill Assistance
Several organizations offer help with paying bills. Since your mileage may vary, try them all to wipe out as much medical debt as possible.
1. Medical Billing Advocates
A medical billing advocate is an expert on the topic. They know everything about medical billing, which helps them spot expensive errors that you may never notice. But beyond spotting costly errors, medical billing advocates are also professionals at negotiating lower bills.
What’s the issue with this option? Medical billing advocates can be costly. Depending on how much they can shave off of your bills, they may be worth it, though.
If you can’t afford an advocate, you may be able to solicit their services at no cost through your employer. You could also see if the Patient Advocate Foundation can offer no-cost or low-cost assistance.
2. Healthcare Providers
Sometimes your best bet is to contact the healthcare provider directly for help. They won’t pay your medical bills, but they can lower or eliminate them, depending on your situation.
For instance, you may have received an enormous hospital bill that you know you cannot pay. If you call the hospital, you can ask if they can reduce or eliminate the bill. If they decline, tell them your financial situation and ask if they have a department that handles such affairs. If the medical provider is a non-profit, you may be in luck. And if not, they may be able to put you on a manageable, no-interest payment plan that fits your budget.
3. Children Relief Funds
If your child got sick and that resulted in hefty medical bills, see if your state offers Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Funds. Massachusetts and New Jersey do, so you may have luck by taking this route.
4. Churches
Your local church may lend a helping hand if you tell them your situation. It’s not uncommon for local religious organizations to hold fundraisers and ask the community to chip in for a good cause.
5. Use a Fundraising Site
While a church can hold a fundraiser, you can do the same via a site like GoFundMe. Set up a fundraiser online and share it over social media. It could get you the help you need with minimal effort. Be sure to include all of the details of your medical emergency to achieve the intended effect.
6. Disease-Specific Organizations
If you suffer from a specific illness, you may find bill-paying assistance through an organization.
For example, these organizations help pay bills for specific diseases:
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- The Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
- The HealthWell Foundation
- The CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
