Arizona Tribune - How To Cover Medical Costs That Insurance Doesn't Cover

If you need extra funds to tide you over, there are medical loan options available to help you pay for your medical expenses. For example, you could consider a personal loan that you choose to use to cover medical costs. A personal loan typically offers fixed terms and predictable monthly payments that can be easier to budget for.

Keep reading for some other ways to navigate paying for your medical needs without insurance.

Double-check your medical bills

Anytime you receive a medical bill from a provider, take a close look to make sure all the information is correct, particularly the items and procedures you're being billed for. Oftentimes, medical bills don't contain a ton of information. In that case, it can be difficult to verify the amount due and what went into the final calculation.

If you have questions, don't be afraid to contact your provider for a more detailed bill. An itemized bill should have each cost as a separate line item so that you can ensure you were charged correctly for all parts of a procedure or visit.

You could also call or email your medical provider's billing office and ask someone to walk you through the bill. If the information doesn't make sense, don't just assume the provider is right - billing mistakes can happen. Be sure to ask questions.

Try negotiating your medical expenses

If you can't afford the total cost of a medical bill, see if there's an option to negotiate with your provider. Sometimes, simply explaining the situation may help you lower your bill.

Before you get in touch, do some research into the service you received to see if you can find information on average costs in your area - it never hurts to have examples on hand to help you make your case.

If lowering your bill isn't an option, see if the provider has a payment plan or a sliding-scale option for patients facing financial hardship. If you're approved for a payment plan, confirm the total amount with interest, which is the cost of borrowing money, so you know exactly how much you'll owe each month.

Utilize affordable and free health services

If you're looking for more affordable medical care in your area, there may be free or low-cost clinics nearby operated by the government, nonprofits or charities, especially for routine annual exams or more minor concerns.

Some programs at nonprofit hospitals may also offer medical treatment at a lower cost, although you'll want to do your research and make sure you won't be left to foot a huge bill.

If you're facing a serious health issue with ongoing costs, you could also ask about potential medical trials for your condition through programs sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Participating in medical research can make care more affordable or free in exchange for advancing medical knowledge.¹ Just be aware that experimental treatment may take time to find and arrange, and there's no guarantee you'll qualify.

Look for local and government assistance

Asking for help may be difficult, but there are ways your community and your local, state and federal government might be able to help. Here are a few options:

• Dial 211: Calling this number in many communities should connect you with a free helpline that can direct you to local services, community programs, nonprofits and even government agencies that may be able to help you pay for your medical care, help you advocate for yourself as a patient and even negotiate medical bills.

• Consider marketplace coverage: If you're uninsured due to certain reasons or if your health issues arise during open enrollment, you may be able to find affordable coverage options at healthcare.gov.

• Look into Medicaid: You may be eligible for Medicaid, which is a joint state and federal program that covers medical costs for some people, depending on your income, age, residency and other factors.²

• Use crowdfunding: Crowdfunding websites have become a popular way for people to share their stories and ask for help covering medical costs.

• Reach out to friends and family: While asking for help from strangers is hard, asking for help from the people closest to you could be even harder, especially if it's about money. If you choose to borrow money from someone you know, make sure you put the terms of the loan in writing, including payment amounts and due dates, and stick to your agreement.

Support is out there

When it comes to dealing with medical bills, take a deep breath. There are solutions available to help you cover your medical costs.

Whether you're double-checking your medical bills, negotiating your payments, making the most of low-cost care options or looking for community and government support, don't give up. While it can be a difficult and time-consuming process, the most important step is to advocate for yourself so that you can get the care you need.

Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of [publisher] or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.

Contact Information:

Name: Nagarameshwar J.
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Director

SOURCE: OneMain Financial

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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