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Helping People Get A Fresh Financial Start to Regain Financial Independence

Helping People Get A Fresh Financial Start to Regain Financial Independence

How can I prevent medical debt from accumulating?

On Behalf of | Jan 1, 2020 | Eliminating Medical Debt

Even people with health insurance find themselves faced with massive medical bills. Some treatments won’t be covered by your insurance, especially if you have a chronic or life-threatening illness. While you can’t always avoid expensive medical treatments, particularly when your health is on the line, there are steps you can take to prevent medical debt from growing. 

How familiar are you with your current health insurance policy? Even the best policies have limitations, and knowing these limitations allow you to prepare for any exorbitant costs. For example, you can consider purchasing a supplemental policy if you find your current coverage insufficient. Many people implement supplemental policies to cover them in the event of disability or to ensure they have access to long-term care. If you have a network, be sure you know which doctors are included so you can make wise medical decisions. 

When a treatment or diagnostic test is recommended, look around for the best value. You definitely don’t want to sacrifice quality for a lower price but make sure you’re not overpaying for a procedure that can be gotten elsewhere for less money. Ask family and friends for any insight they may have, and also do some research online to get a feel for average healthcare pricing in your area. 

Finally, don’t take every healthcare bill for its word. It is possible that a mistake was made when calculating your bill, which might unnecessarily increase your medical debt. If a bill seems too high, speak with your insurance company on whether a portion of it should be covered. You can also consult with the doctor’s office for further clarification. If you are struggling with paying bills, your insurance company or doctor’s office may even be able to assist you if you can show financial hardship. 

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