Hospitals and medical providers usually bill within 1 month from the date of the bill.If you can't pay your medical bills, you may want to look into governmental and charity organizations that can help.Before applying for grants, it is important to reduce medical bills as much as possible.You need to learn to spot grant scam and apply for the correct grants.The article will show you how to apply for grant money and low-cost health insurance programs.
Step 1: Look at low-cost providers.
If you know ahead of time that you need a checkup or treatment, you can find an office or clinic that will give you less expensive care.Many cities have emergency care centers that provide affordable appointments.You can use the internet to find low cost or free healthcare service providers in your city.You should make your appointment early for many of the low-cost providers.You may need to wait weeks or months to receive care if they book up quickly.
Step 2: You can reduce your bills by talking to the hospital or medical provider.
Before you are billed, it is a good idea to speak to the hospital.Uninsured or under insured patients can receive financial assistance from hospitals.
Step 3: A payment plan can be negotiated with the provider.
If you have received financial assistance, the payment plan will help you avoid interest accrual on your bills and the possibility that it will be sent to a collection agency.You may be able to pay large bills over time.It can take months or years to acquire funding even if you are able to get grants from other sources.It is possible to support yourself or your family with a low monthly payment.
Step 4: You can talk to your church or synagogue.
Many churches use their collection funds or charity events to help those who are sick and in need of money for treatment.To approach the need for assistance, write a letter or seek counsel from other church members.
Step 5: There are non-profit organizations that support people with illness.
Cancer, diabetes, HIV, heart and many other diseases have organizations that give aid to people.You can contact organizations in your state on a national level.The National Heart Association, AIDS Action Foundation, and The American Diabetes Association are examples of non-profit associations.It is a good idea to read the literature produced by the organization and follow their rules of requesting aid.If you are writing a letter requesting aid, you should ask a friend or family member to check it out.If there is a request for copies of medical bills, give them.If you want to give personal information, talk to the organization.
Step 6: To find government assistance, go to Benefits.gov.
If you fill out the online form, you will be asked what type of benefits you are looking for, your home state, age, family size, income and other relevant information.You can find a list of state and national agencies that may be able to give you medical financial assistance on the site.
Step 7: If you qualify, apply for grants.
You can find out what programs are available at governmentgrants.us.You will need to provide personal information, medical records and a written statement in order to apply.If you want to check on your application, you should ask for a contact name and number.
Step 8: Call your state Medicaid agency.
If you have significant income loss due to a medical problem, you may be able to get Medicaid benefits.Go to Medicaid.gov to find your local Health and Human Services department.
Step 9: Do you know about Children's Health Insurance programs?
Most states offer a low-cost children's health insurance program to provide coverage for children and families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who can't afford private coverage.This information can be given to your state Medicaid agency.
Step 10: Obtain insurance through the law.
You can get low-cost health insurance through your state or the federal government.If you don't have health insurance, you will have to pay income taxes if your income is below a certain level.You can find all healthcare insurance plans in your state at obamacare.org.
Step 11: Do you qualify for Medicare?
If you are a U.S. citizen over the age of 65 and you have received Social Security Disability Income for 24 months, you would qualify for Medicare.Supplemental insurance can be purchased for prescriptions and other health services not covered by Medicare.