In the United States, 41% of adults under the age of 65 experience medical bill problems.1 This may include having problems paying or being unable to pay a bill, having a bill sent to collections or having to file bankruptcy due to unpaid medical bills.
The Access Project, a program of the Center for Community Health Research and Action of the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, sponsored a study to assess American’s access to healthcare. Researchers found that when staff of medical facilities offered people, “information about financial assistance, individuals were less likely to owe money to the facility.”2
So, what are your options when facing medical debt?
Our health is one of our most important assets. Poor health makes it difficult to work, to care for our families and to manage our daily lives. While there is no magic wand for taking care of our medical concerns and medical bills, there are people who can help. Take the time to look into the options available to you and to ask for assistance in handling this important area of life.
Footnotes:
1Rukavina, Mark. January 2011. Health Care Costs and Medical Debt: Problem and Opportunity (PowerPoint). (Available from The Access Project, 89 South St., Suite 202, Boston, MA 02111)
2Andrulis, D, Duchon, L, Pryor, C, Goodman, N. January 2003. Paying for Health Care
When You’re Uninsured: How Much Support Does the Safety Net Offer? The Access Project. http://www.accessproject.org/paying_for_healthcare_when_youre_uninsured.pdf