Financial Assistance for Medical Bills Medical procedures, doctor appointments, and anything that involves procedures at the hospital can be very expensive. If you are low income, or are having trouble meeting the minimum payments for your medical bills, you can seek financial assistance in the form of health grants. You may be eligible to receive medical bills assistance from the government, a nonprofit, or the hospital itself.
Assistance Programs: Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for low-income individuals and families. Medicaid is set up by the federal government and is administered differently in each state. Some people with higher incomes can get coverage if their medical bills are comparatively high. State Children’s Health Insurance Plan: Each State has an insurance plan to help cover medical bills of children belonging to low income groups. These programs are administered by social services in each State. Local Assistance Program: Local assistance programs are those governed by both government agencies as well as private non-profit groups. Certain State and local governments have programs in place to offset high medical bills of people belonging to low income groups. Also, private non-profit groups offer financial assistance. Financial Aid from Hospitals or Medical Clinics: Most have charity care programs to help cover or reduce medical bills for some families. Eligibility is usually based on income and savings. Many nonprofit medical clinics have similar programs. Insurance Payments: You can take action against the insurer or medical provider if they refuse to cover your bills. If you can't resolve the problem, file a grievance with the insurance company immediately. Check your health plan booklet or look at the insurer's website to determine the proper procedures for filing a written grievance. Filing Bankruptcy: 62% of all bankruptcy filings in 2007 were tied to health care expenses. Medical debts can be wiped out in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but it will lower your credit rating for several years. And if you don’t qualify for the ‘clean slate’ that Chapter 7 bankruptcy can provide, you may need to file under Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Financial Assistance for Medical Bills Help from Other Sources: Nonprofit Credit Counselors: Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you sort through your bills, establish a budget, and set up payment plans with medical providers. Medical Billing Advocates: Medical billing advocates are private companies or individuals for hire that work with medical providers on your behalf to get your bills reduced. They help you find errors or overcharges in your medical bills, appeal coverage denials with your insurer, or negotiate lower fees with your medical provider. Although medical advocates can be expensive, in some cases it's money well spent. Hospital Ombudsperson: Many hospitals have special advocates or ombudspersons who help resolve billing disputes between patients and hospitals. Support Groups: If your medical bills are related to a particular medical condition or disease, support groups often have lots of information on where to get financial assistance and how to navigate the complex health care system.
Summary:
Low income groups who have trouble meeting the minimum payments for their medical bills can seek financial assistance in the form of health grants. They are eligible to utility bill assistance from the government, a nonprofit, or the hospital itself. There are various assistance programs that exist to offer medical financial assistance.