I had to go to the emergency room the other day because I cut my finger open, and the hospital is already calling to get me to pay the bill. I haven't even gotten a bill in the mail yet. I don't have any insurance at all. I am a patient at our local free health clinic and I called them, but they said they cannot help me with the hospital bill. I told the lady at the hospital that I didn't have insurance and that it would be hard for me to pay it. She told me to make monthly payments, but at that rate it will take forever. Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help.
2007-02-24 12:14:21 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
My daughter has medicaid, but I don't b/c in Virginia medicaid only covers children and pregnant women, and I'm not pregnant.
2007-02-24 12:23:17 · update #1
Call the hospital that you went to and ask them for their Charity Department. All hospitals have them by Law. Explain to them that you do not have health insurance and your situation on how you ended up in their hospital. They have people there that can help you apply for charity care depending on your income.
Good Luck, and I hope that my answer helps you. :)
P.S. Charity Care is very helpful because I personally used it last year when I was unable to pay my hospital bills.
2007-02-24 13:06:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Call the billing office. Ask why they are already pestering you about this bill. You were just in the ER a couple days ago! Then tell her after you receive the bill you'll have to figure out what you can afford to pay on a monthly basis. Ask about financial aid or other programs they might have to help you. Between now and the time you get the bill figure out what you can afford to pay monthly. Even if it's only $20. Who cares if it takes 2 years to pay off. It's not a loan that you need to worry about finance charges adding up. Call the billing office again, let them know that $__ is what you can afford monthly. And make that payment. They can't do anything to you if you send them a payment every month of the amount that you said you can afford.
2007-02-24 20:40:33 · answer #2 · answered by fiestyredhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Medicaid & Family Health Plus are your only "free" options..but that depends on where you live...and your income. I imagine that if these programs were available where you live..it would have been offered in the ER immediately, as the hospital wants thier money immediately if not sooner...otherwise if u find out that it IS available for you ( i assume you're an adult)...you would have to have Medicaid eligible income (no income to very low) for them to "go back" to cover the hospital bill...Family Health Plus almost never goes back...and they allow you to have more income..but they only start covering you from the day you apply....anyway..it does get complicated..but i hope this gives u a little insight
2007-02-24 20:43:05 · answer #3 · answered by dannimase 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I would try calling and speaking with the finanical department of the hospital. There are sometimes ways to get assistance paying the bills (or work out a payment plan if worst comes to worst). You could also try checking with your local deparment of Social Services. You may be eligible for assistance through them, such as medicaid or medicare. Good luck!
2007-02-24 20:21:10 · answer #4 · answered by missytoe18 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most hospitals have a social worker that helps in cases like yours. Most hospitals do have the ability to write off bills or greatly reduce them for people who have no insurance. Ask to speak to either the hospital's social worker, or the head of the billing or insurance office and tell them your situation. If you are low income they should be able to help you.
2007-02-24 21:37:52 · answer #5 · answered by Bandmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely you can apply for charity care. All hospitals are set up for charity care. Take advantage of this.
2007-02-24 20:18:48 · answer #6 · answered by Icey 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋