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Home > What a relief (re: a medical bill)

What a relief (re: a medical bill)

October 30th, 2008 at 12:59 pm

Well, I finally called on getting a payment plan for the $563.87 doctor's bill that I found out we couldn't cover and can honestly say it was a very pleasant experience. I was very upset to have to do a "budget plan" at all and worried about interest and everything, but it's 0% and they will never charge me to pay over the phone, even if I use a credit card. The woman I spoke with was more than helpful and very kind.

I have never had to do this before and was very surprised; is this a normal interaction for most people dealing with medical bills? I was very relieved once off the phone to have it done and on such a manageable schedule. I had planned to pay if off asap, but since it's 0% for the life of the plan, I may just take my time and put the extra money towards a CC that's charging interest instead of this. Who knew?

Posted in My Financial Learning, Budget Tracker | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “What a relief (re: a medical bill)”

  1. kdmoffett25 Says:
    October 30th, 2008 at 01:12 pm 1225372328
    1225372328

    I have never paid interest or late fees on a medical bill. Even if they sent it to collections. Never paid a fee to pay over the phone. But in the past 2 years, I did my own plan and they never sent it to collections as long as I was paying something. I have 2 dings on my credit for letting them go too long and they did send them to collections, but won't let that happen again. I avoid the ER ($75 co-pay) and try to go to regular doctor or minor medical clinic, which is $20 co-pay.

    Good job on stepping up and calling them first before it was too late. It feels good to stay ahead of the game.

  2. merch Says:
    October 30th, 2008 at 01:25 pm 1225373133
    1225373133

    I agree. Good job on getting ahead of the bill before it became an issue. I had probably about $30k to $35k of medical expenses when my second son was born. I went into this year with about 18k I just didn't have enough to pay off. I called the hospital and worked with their financial department. Basically we agreed to $500 a month at 0%.

    They were very professional and always helpful. They were times this year when they screwed things up. But me and my wife were always proactive with them and call them once a month to make sure everything is in order.

    Good luck and continue to stay ahead of the bill. I would also suggest that you write a letter after the bill is paid thanking the person for their professionalism and kindness.

  3. ME2 Says:
    October 31st, 2008 at 02:30 am 1225420249
    1225420249

    I have, so far, :::knock-on-wood::: have only had to pay for 1 "large" medical bill out of my own pocket. It was $550 for a 2 mile ambulance ride. @@ However, I could have scraped up the money if forced, but, what I did when the bill initially came was make a payment of $50. I received a bill the following month for $500 and I contiued to make $50 or $100 payments until the bill was paid in full. I never got a nasty call and/or letter, it was never turned over to a collection agency nor does it show up at all on my credit report.

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