There are times when your medical bills become overtly high, leaving you stressed and helpless. If you are not careful about your medical bills, they also can accrue. While these are inevitable expenses, exerting a little care could often help you in downsizing them. You don’t have to feel powerless. Just use these tips to deal with you high and expensive medical bills.
1. Start Organizing!
As with any case, organizing is the key for a successful financial management. Start keeping track of your medical bills as soon as you start receiving them. Plan meticulously. Keep a journal wherein you could note down all the expenses involved, right from the doctor(s) bill to the lab and pharmacy and ambulance and so on. If you are confuse with a particular bill, make sure that you clear it then and there without procrastination.
2. Review Your Bills Thoroughly!
While it is difficult to accept this, it is well-known that errors are prominent in medical billing. There are times when you end up paying unwontedly just because you are not aware of what exactly has gone into the bill. Reviewing each and every element in the bill, understanding it the right way. If you are not aware of any aspects, do not hesitate to ask for help. Match up the bills and the care you had received.
3. Get Your Quotes Right!
If you are opting to get your pills paid by a health insurance provider, then make sure to get all the quotes in writing. You should also get the quotations from the hospital before you start the procedure. Ensure that the quote you receive from the hospital contains all information in a comprehensive way. This is to ensure that you will not find it difficult to get a quotation from your health insurance person.
4. Talk To The Billing Office!
Work with the billing office closely so that you can work out the payment. If you cannot pay the entire amount in one go, you can get a quote from them asking how much can pay at the moment to get the process started. There are hospitals that help the patients by extending the payment date, thereby giving the concerned people some breathing time.
If you are paying the entire amount at one go, you could even negotiate for a discount. The earlier you talk to them, the better they will be able to provide you with an effective solution.
5. Negotiate If Required!
If you have already started the treatment and you have started receiving bills, you still can negotiate. Even the billing departments prefer to indulge in a shortened and easier billing procedure rather than handle a lengthy, complicated process. Once you each on an agreement, make sure you get the negotiation terms written down and duly signed to avoid complications.
6. Try To Pay Your Bill!
It is okay if you have a daunting medical bill in front of you. Never try to skip paying the bill. It will have a bad effect on your credit score. Plus, it will also negatively impact your bill payment strategies in the future. Try to pay on time or if you feel there could be a delay, inform the concerned authorities to avoid additional costs.
7. Try To Pay In Cash!
Paying in cash could help in lowering the total amount as the surcharges involved when you pay with a credit card is eliminated. While health insurances are always helpful, you can always make the payment and then put forward your claim. By doing so you will be able to retain your trust. You can even ask for a financial help from your family and friends. You can repay them later, as that comes free from interest rates.
8. Check With The Hospital Has A Payment Strategy In Place!
Inquire about a payment strategy even if you feel that the discounted medical bill is beyond your current management. This could help you in renegotiating in future, if required, provided you make the other payments on time. You can perhaps even write to the concerned authorities to write off a small portion of the bill if you have already paid more than 90% of the payment.
Prevention is always better than care. So, make sure that you always have a secure health insurance plan in place so that your unforeseen medical expenses will be taken care of in a hassle-free way. If you still feel that your bills are huge, opt for including a professional in the process who could talk to the hospital and billing department on behalf of you and get you some relief.
How do you manage your medical bills? Share your thoughts and comments with us.