Medical bill payment assistance is a concern for many people in America. While those who have a low income may not be able to afford the bills, there are many in the middle income class who can’t afford the high rate of health insurance. This has created a situation that leaves many people struggling to pay for their health care services and the bills they receive after each appointment. The good news is that there are programs that provide medical bills help for families.
Being able to get medical bills help for families can make a huge difference when it comes to making ends meet. The high cost of healthcare in the country can make it difficult for people to survive and get their basic needs met if they also owe on medical bills. The medical bills may be so large that they cannot afford to pay for their rent or buy food afterward.
The programs that are in place that will help families pay for their medical bills are often provided by the federal and state government, as well as some non-profit organizations. The organizations provide the services as a way to help people in the community who may be struggling to get by. Between the various programs that are available, most families with a low income should be able to get some assistance. Families at the middle income may need to explore even more options to find assistance, because the more you earn, the less resources there are available to help you with your medical bills.
Programs Providing Medical Bills Payment Assistance
Apply for as many programs as you feel qualified for. There is no limit to how many you can apply for. The more programs you apply for, the better your chances will likely be that you will find the assistance that you need.
Medicaid – This is the most popular program for those who need help paying for their medical bills. It is provided by the federal government and is available around the country, in all states and territories. Those who are approved for Medicaid will get assistance paying for most types of medical bills, including those for seeing a doctor, going to the hospital, having procedures and treatments performed, prescription drugs, and more. They will also pay for you to go to the doctor, dentist, etc. To qualify for Medicaid, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through Medicaid. As long as you continue meet the requirements for the program then you can continue getting the assistance. You can apply online or in person. To get more information about the program, click here.
211 – The United Way has set up this phone number so that those who need help can call it and get quality referrals to programs that can help them. Their referral service is free to use and open to everyone. You can just call the number and tell them where you live and that you need help paying for medical bills. They will use their database to locate programs that will provide you with assistance. To get more information about the program, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This is program provided by the federal government that will provide those who qualify with monthly assistance in the form of cash. The cash, which is delivered directly to your bank account each month, can then be used to pay for your living expenses. You can use the TANF funds to pay for food, rent, clothing, and bills. The monthly cash can be used to pay for medical bills as well. The program is open to those who have a low income, have at least one minor child that is a dependent, and who are citizens or legal non-citizens. Most states do have a five year limit on how long you can get help through the program. You can apply online or at your local social services offices. To get more information and apply, click here.
Care Credit – Those who may not qualify for the programs that will pay your bills for you may still need a way to help pay the bill over a longer period of time. Care Credit is a credit card account for medical bills. You can use your Care Credit card, if you are approved for one, to pay for your medical bills. Then you can pay the debt off on a monthly basis over time. They often have special rates and deals, where you will save on financing fees and get better terms. Anyone can apply for this line of credit and you can apply online. Most medical facilities accept Care Credit as a payment source. To get more information and apply for an account, click here.
Dollar For – This organization helps people find solutions to the medical bills that they face. They routinely help people apply for forgiveness or rate increases at the hospitals they have been in. Most people receiving help through this organization earn under $100,000 for a family of four. To get more information and get them to help you apply for a discount or debt forgiveness, click here.
In addition to these options, you can also contact your local health department. They offer low cost medical assistance for families who have a low income. They may also be able to provide you with referrals to programs in the area that can help with paying bills. Every state also has a health department that is part of the state government. Contact your state’s health department to inquire about medical bill payment assistance programs in the state you live in. They should have a list of places you can turn to for assistance. You can also contact churches in your area to see if they will help with medical bills, or if they can provide you with referrals to programs in the area that can.
