Question

the clinics patient has been diagnosed with non-hodgkings lymphoma in stage 3. Surgery and aggressive chemotherapy are in process. The patient has medicare and a small medigap policy. you know there are expenses coming soon that neither insurance will cover. what can you suggest?

Answer 1

Medicare and Medicaid are a relief for the patients with severe disease conditions ,but when they don't cover the expenses then it become a threat for the patients and families . It becomes same as not having an insurance policy. Some of the ways to pay the expenses when insuranc will not cover are :-

# Hospital Assistance

Hospitals employ financial counselors, sometimes called case managers, who work with uninsured patients and their families to identify ways to help pay hospital bills. Some hospitals adjust the bills so uninsured patients pay lower fees. Financial counselors help patients apply for Medicaid or other public health insurance programs available for low-income individuals and families. Some hospitals offer charitable assistance to needy patients and will reduce or forgive the bills totally based on income and family size.

# Negotiation

Patients can contact the billing department or hospital administration to negotiate parts of hospitals bills. Check for billing mistakes. Charges should be reasonable for the service provided. For instance, question a $300 charge for an aspirin. Ask about discounts for which you might qualify, such as a discount for paying the total bill immediately or within 30 days. Michigan’s Holland Hospital offers a 20 percent discount to uninsured patients. Ask if you can pay the insurer’s rate if it is lower than your charge. Meet with hospital financial staff and go over your bill to find areas for negotiation.

# Payment Arrangements

Payment plans give you a longer time to pay hospital bills, and they are typically not reported to credit bureaus while you honor the arrangements. Hospitals often allow patients to make interest-free payments on hospital bills. Your hospital might require you to deposit 50 percent of the total bill and make arrangements to pay the balance in 30 days or more. Another payment arrangement might give you two years or more to pay the bill. Even if your account has been sent to a collection agency, you can ask the hospital to take back the account and enter into payment arrangements with you. Unlike other types of collection accounts, medical providers usually retain ownership of accounts sent for collection.

# Charitable Foundations

Many charitable foundations offer help paying hospital bills to individuals and families. Some foundations focus on specific illnesses, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease or rare childhood diseases. Some provide local assistance, such as the Arizona Consortium for Children with Chronic Illness. Others operate regionally or nationally. All Children’s Hospital provides links on its website to charitable organizations, such as UnitedHealthCare Children’s Foundation and First Hand Foundation, which help families pay medical bills. Patient advocates in hospitals and patient advocacy organizations, such as Families USA and National Patient Advocate Foundation, provide information about foundations that can help.