Preventative care is vital in maintaining your health and having a long life, but costs associated with medical care can be excessive, especially if an emergency arises.
Never assume that you can’t afford insurance. Contact insurance companies if your workplace doesn’t offer a plan, but don’t take their rates at face value. You may be able to negotiate lower monthly premiums and they may throw in extras like free preventive services. It never hurts to ask!
COBRA rates have also been slashed. If you previously thought it was too expensive, think again. You should also contact any insurance programs your state may offer.
The uninsured can take advantage of community clinics to get adequate preventative and sick care. The emergency room is the most expensive places to go, so find another resource if one is available to you.
When it’s too late for any of the above and you already have a major medical bill that you worry about paying, consider your options. You can try to settle or negotiate a payment plan with the hospital, apply for hospital charity assistance programs or ask for help from your family and community.
When nothing else works, turn to your credit card or take out a short-term loan to pay off the balance. You can apply for a pay day cash advance, which will have the funds in your account the next business day, or opt for a personal loan. The latter, of course, takes longer to approve and will require good credit. Only go into debt to pay off medical bills if you have exhausted all other options, but maintaining your health should remain priority number one.