We typically view medical debt as a personal failing, making people feel embarrassed. A lack of insurance often causes unpaid medical bills. In the United States, about 31.2 million people under 65 are uninsured.

If you can’t pay your medical bills, try these tips for lowering your debt:

Getting Medical Bills Assistance When You are Uninsured

1. Check Your Bills for Errors

Even in medical bills, mistakes happen. According to Resolve, up to 80% of medical bills contain errors. Look for inaccuracies on your medical invoices and healthcare costs line by line. They may charge you for services you never got.

2. Make a Discount Request

Another method for lowering medical costs is to negotiate a reduced charge. You can ask to have some expenses waived or deleted from your bill. While there is no assurance that this will lower your medical bills.

3. Set up a Payment Plan

Sometimes you have to receive the medical care you require first and then worry about how to pay for it later. Inquire about payment programs with the hospital’s billing department.

4. Find Out How Much Specific Procedures Cost

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, call local hospitals or clinics and ask to speak with the invoicing department. Then ask about the cost of the medical services you’re interested in.

5. Talk to Your Doctor About Your Financial Difficulties

If you’re not sure if you’ll be able to afford treatment, ask your doctor how much it will cost and whether there will be any room for accommodation.

6. Only Use the Emergency Room in an Emergency

Urgent care clinics are often less expensive than emergency rooms. Find out in advance which urgent care clinics in your area are part of your insurance company’s network.

7. Seek Outside Assistance

Get the assistance of a debt negotiator, medical caseworker, or medical billing advocate. When you can’t or are too afraid to try, these professionals may help you lower your debt.

8. Explore Prescription Drug Discounts

Even if you have prescription drug coverage through your job, Medicare, or Medicaid, the cost of drugs can quickly pile up if you use several. Request the generic form of a prescription medicine whenever possible.

9. Select In-Network Doctors and Providers

Your provider network has negotiated special prices with your insurance carrier if you have health insurance. When you get treatment from that network members, you’ll pay less.  

10. Use Telemedicine

Thanks to digital technology, you may now get a low-cost medical consultation whenever you want, no matter where you are. Customers are increasingly using telemedicine to save money on healthcare.

Medical bills can be a burden that leaves you feeling upset and helpless. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Follow the Avidity Medical Design Blog for more informative articles on healthcare.

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