Discuss payment plans sooner rather than later.
Hospitals wrote off over $34 billion in 2007 for care that they provided and were not paid for. This rate has increased 55 percent since 2002. As people lose health insurance or change to plans with less coverage, hospitals see more people who are in financial trouble. They may be willing to help these people with their bills more now than in the past.
Instructions
1. Review your hospital bill for errors. Make note of any procedures or supplies that you did not receive. Contact your hospital's billing department to correct these errors.
2. Check to see if you qualify for hospital charity care. Many, if not most hospitals offer plans that can cover all the medical expenses of people who have incomes at a certain percentage of the federal poverty level. Some of these charity-care plans also offer discounts for people who may not qualify for charity care, but still meet certain guidelines.
3. Ask about Medicaid or other government insurance programs. Many hospitals have caseworkers who can help you apply for these programs. You will need to give them your financial information, such as your monthly income and copies of your income tax returns.
4. Speak with the hospital directly. Depending on the size of the hospital bill, you may want to speak directly with an administrator. Go to them with your financial information and your written budget. Having your written budget will show them that you have a financial plan, and are not just saying that you can not pay them. It also shows them exactly what you have available to pay on your hospital bill. Total honest disclosure shows good faith on your part and may encourage more help from them.
5. Make good decisions about your priorities with your hospital bill. Many hospital collectors are becoming more aggressive, and will pressure you into using a credit card to pay them, take out a loan, or borrow against the equity in your home. These options may leave you paying a higher interest rate or a loan that is more difficult to discharge in case of bankruptcy.
