According to the National Coalition on Health Care, "the U.S. Census Bureau (reports) nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance coverage in 2007, their latest data available." If these stats have stayed consistent over the past couple of years, more than a quarter of the American population lives without health coverage insurance.
Lack of health insurance is a scary scenario for most people to face considering how easily illness and injury can strike and what the stemming costs will be. The NCHC reports that nine out of ten uninsured will forgo medical treatment due to cost and the fear of incurring medical debt. Having to pay medical expenses without insurance can debilitate a familys finances.
Currently, federal law requires that hospitals cannot deny medical care to uninsured individuals in the event of an emergency. For uninsured individuals requiring care, its important to be forthright with the medical facility so that the billing process is accurate and communication open. The billing process should be discussed while those in care should let the necessary people know what they can feasibly pay per month. Theres wiggle room when it comes to negotiating these numbers depending on ones current situation.
Medical debt is not only a condition of the uninsured. The NCHC reported that 62 percent of all bankruptcies filed in 2007 were linked to medical expenses. Of those who filed for bankruptcy, nearly 80 percent had health insurance.
Whether a person or family has medical health insurance or not there are many kinds of financial assistance programs available for who need it. Organizations including The Patient Advocate Foundation or Health Assistance Partnership exist to help those with severe medical debt. Another option it so speak to the medical facility directly to see if financial assistance programs are available. Many times hospitals offer some assistance that help lower overall payments and make it more affordable for those in debt to pay it off.
Another option available is the state run Medicaid programs. Only people who qualify (by meeting pre-specified criteria) can seek assistance from their states Medicaid program. Whether or not a person qualifies for Medicaid is usually based on income and lack of health insurance. Each state has its own guidelines to determine who is eligible for Medicaid-related services. People must contact their states health department to determine if they fit the qualifying criteria. One thing to note is that there are several different Medicaid plans. Some of these plans pay for all a patients bills however the caveat is that patient is required to use pre-selected facilities. Other Medicaid services require the patient pay a small co-payment for services.
Having to pay off medical health bills can be an overwhelming task with dire financial consequences. While some costly health conditions happen without notice, others slowly build over the course of time. No matter the medical or financial situation for that matter, planning ahead can help offset the costs involved with medical health care. - 29866
Lack of health insurance is a scary scenario for most people to face considering how easily illness and injury can strike and what the stemming costs will be. The NCHC reports that nine out of ten uninsured will forgo medical treatment due to cost and the fear of incurring medical debt. Having to pay medical expenses without insurance can debilitate a familys finances.
Currently, federal law requires that hospitals cannot deny medical care to uninsured individuals in the event of an emergency. For uninsured individuals requiring care, its important to be forthright with the medical facility so that the billing process is accurate and communication open. The billing process should be discussed while those in care should let the necessary people know what they can feasibly pay per month. Theres wiggle room when it comes to negotiating these numbers depending on ones current situation.
Medical debt is not only a condition of the uninsured. The NCHC reported that 62 percent of all bankruptcies filed in 2007 were linked to medical expenses. Of those who filed for bankruptcy, nearly 80 percent had health insurance.
Whether a person or family has medical health insurance or not there are many kinds of financial assistance programs available for who need it. Organizations including The Patient Advocate Foundation or Health Assistance Partnership exist to help those with severe medical debt. Another option it so speak to the medical facility directly to see if financial assistance programs are available. Many times hospitals offer some assistance that help lower overall payments and make it more affordable for those in debt to pay it off.
Another option available is the state run Medicaid programs. Only people who qualify (by meeting pre-specified criteria) can seek assistance from their states Medicaid program. Whether or not a person qualifies for Medicaid is usually based on income and lack of health insurance. Each state has its own guidelines to determine who is eligible for Medicaid-related services. People must contact their states health department to determine if they fit the qualifying criteria. One thing to note is that there are several different Medicaid plans. Some of these plans pay for all a patients bills however the caveat is that patient is required to use pre-selected facilities. Other Medicaid services require the patient pay a small co-payment for services.
Having to pay off medical health bills can be an overwhelming task with dire financial consequences. While some costly health conditions happen without notice, others slowly build over the course of time. No matter the medical or financial situation for that matter, planning ahead can help offset the costs involved with medical health care. - 29866
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