Life Kit Digging Yourself Out Of Medical Debt
Apr 15, 2021
Jen Bosco, an attorney at the National Consumer Law Center specializing in medical debt, sheds light on the staggering issue of medical debt affecting one in five Americans. She shares invaluable strategies for negotiating medical bills and offers practical tips for managing debt collectors. Jen emphasizes the critical role of nonprofit hospitals in providing assistance and stresses the importance of understanding financial resources available. With engaging personal stories, she inspires listeners to advocate for fairer healthcare pricing and take control of their finances.
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Seek Help Early
- Ask for help with medical debt as soon as possible.
- This is crucial, especially if you're overwhelmed by large bills.
Use Magic Words
- Ask your hospital about "financial assistance" or "charity care."
- Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to have such policies.
Negotiate Prices
- Never pay the "sticker price" or chargemaster rate for medical bills.
- Negotiate a lower price, similar to what insurance companies pay.