How To Settle Unpaid Medical Bills

Unpaid medical bills are one of the top causes of bankruptcy filings in the United States. On the one hand, the desperation of the families involved is almost palpable that they decide that going to court is the only option for them to ward off the creditors while they still deal with the disease, or the ensuing aftershock, that befall them. There's no sense to judge them of dodging their responsibility to settle the unpaid medical bills.

On the other hand, this type of system that drains on private and public resources will not be sustainable.

How to settle the unpaid medical bills?

Don't ignore calls: Be it from the hospital or the collection agency. The hospital will send you the bill through the mail and without payment, the medical provider will send your bill to the collection agency. This is, in fact, another opportunity for you to bargain to reduce the medical expenses. Most collection agencies, despite their reputation, are actually agreeable to negotiate with the debtor. Even if you have no money, it's better to be upfront with them and find a common ground rather than ignore their repeated demands for payment.

Ask for help: If applying for a medical loan proves too much for you, how about asking for help from your friends? Research for assistance programs: The federal government has its medical assistance program but the lines could be very long. Local state programs also offer medical assistance so it's best if you can inquire from your local health agency on how to avail of these programs to settle unpaid medical bills. Your own hospital also has its own charitable program that will cover some, if not all, of the medical expenses incurred during your stay.

Non-profit organizations: Cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's and other lingering and degenerative illnesses like usually have their own support groups. You can inquire if they have some kind of financial assistance programs to help you settle your unpaid medical bills of if they may able to refer you to a friendly doctor who is willing to defer his professional fee.