Consumer Tip of the Week

Paying Medical Bills

If you are one of the millions of people who are struggling to pay medical bills, you should be aware of the steps you can take to reduce or manage your debt. If you have already taken the first steps of double-checking your bill to make sure it’s right, making sure your insurance has paid what it should and checked your appeal rights and you still owe, there are some steps that you can take that might help.

Find out if you are eligible for Medicaid or other coverage that can pay back your bills.

Generally, seniors, people with disabilities, children, and parents of dependent children may be eligible for Medicaid if they have very low incomes. In many states, the Medicaid agency will also take large medical bills into account when determining eligibility.

Find out if you can get financial assistance from the hospital or medical provider or from another source.

Many hospitals in the United States provide some free or low-cost care, sometimes referred to as “charity care,” to uninsured or low-income people who cannot otherwise afford to pay their bills. Other medical providers, such as clinics, doctors, dentists, and home health agencies, may also have financial assistance programs.

Try to negotiate with the hospital or other medical providers.

You may find that your providers are willing to reduce their fees. They may also agree to let you pay over time. If you succeed in negotiating reduced bills and/or a time extension, be sure to get the agreement in writing and keep records documenting these agreements. Also, tell other providers that treated you—sometimes the fact that a hospital offered you free or low-cost care will encourage your other providers to assist you as well.

Additional Resources:

Montana Health Programs: Learn the basics about Medical Assistance, Healthy Montana Kids, Healthy Montana Kids Plus and the Child Health Insurance Program

Approved  Credit Counseling Agencies in Montana

Montana  Legal Services Association: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is a law firm that empowers low-income people by providing legal information, advice, and other services free of charge.

For more information, please visit the Consumer section of http://www.montanalawhelp.org/.  Or, call the Montana Legal Services Association Helpline at 1-800-666-6899.

This Consumer Tip and MontanaLawHelp.org is a joint project of Montana's Credit Unions and Montana Legal Services Association.  MontanaLawHelp.org has information about consumer issues, housing, money management, and more.