How can I prevent medical debt?

 Posted on January 01, 2020 in Medical Debt and Bankruptcy

Injuries and illness can strike just about everyone, which is why it is so important to have the right health coverage in place. However, even with health insurance, you might find yourself mired in medical debt. Here are a few ways to prevent accruing debt, even when you are covered by health insurance.

Have you ever received a medical bill that seemed much too expensive? It helps to look into each and every bill you receive to verify its accuracy. It is possible that the bill you received has errors, and without checking you may end up paying more than your treatment was actually worth. Contact your doctor or insurance company if you have questions about the charges listed on your bill. In most cases, the erroneous charges can be easily rectified and your bill can be adjusted.

You should also take steps to ensure treatments are priced correctly. While you should never sacrifice quality care for cost, keep in mind that not all clinics and hospitals charge the same for the same services. As a result, it may be possible for you to get the same procedure or test at another location for a lower cost. Being smart about healthcare costs can save you quite a bit of money, especially when you require frequent care.

You might also consider supplementing your current policy. Even the best health insurance policies have limitations, and supplemental policies fill in any gaps so you rest assured that you can access the treatments you need. Supplemental policies can be used for things like dental and vision treatments, while also offering funds for long-term care.