by K.D. Saffron

Created on: August 30, 2008

There is nothing that breaks a family apart quicker than trying to pay their medical bills. In today's world of "insured" or "un-insured" that really does not mean that much, as the insurance premiums are so high and too expensive to be of help to most people so when the doctor, hospital, testing centers finally get around to sending the bill, most can't even pay it. The stress created by overwhelming medical debt is enough to make anyone sick. While many medical bills, regardless of the treatment sought, are way too expensive for the average American citizen, the following suggestions are ways that one can hopefully organize the overwhelming debt into a more manageable pile.

1. Realize that you may not have the assets to pay the entire bill at once.

2. Call the medical billing provider and inquire as to whether they have a payment plan available or if not would they allow you to pay in that fashion. If so, then you suggest what is comfortable for you and that can be as little as five dollars per month. The point here is to do this as soon as the bill arrives. It shows that you are making an effort up front rather than waiting. Do this for each bill that you have. Once you've gotten the bills set up on plans or that you will give them a certain amount each month, set it up on a calendar.

3. Always make sure, before paying any bill, that your insurance if you have it has paid their portion first and that you are being asked to pay the remaining balance. Generally, the specific doctor or urgent care facilities do not do their own billing. Billing for most doctors is via third parties in which all of the proper information may not be communicated at the emergency room or doctors office. The reason for this is that if you pay the entire bill first, then the insurance pays, you must wait for them to return your money which could be up to three months if they are on quarterly billing. You should always have your money first, they won't be hurt by not having that money but you might.

4. Keep all medical bills related to one instance together. That way, you can better tell if there has been over billing or if you are billed for the wrong services. Be aware it does happen.

5. If possible, set it up with the providers that you will be paying them all at the same time of the month. That way, it will help you to get into a routine and it will be less overwhelming and your confidence will rise. As well, the providers will get to know your payment habits too and that relationship may be beneficial should you have financial difficulty again. Most medical billers would rather receive a phone call regarding a payment plan than to initiate a collection action on an individual. It's a win-win for both.

Hopefully this guide has relieved some of the stress that can be created when we face what sometimes can be mounting medical debt. Most today are just a paycheck away from loosing a home, car, or personal assets due to one accident or severe illness of self or family. What a shame when we work our whole lives for the American dream, only to loose it due to the medical bills we can't pay. Always, put the billing and payment back in their court and when they give their answer, more times than not, it will work for the person who must pay that medical bill.

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