How To Pay Your Doctor Bills On Time
Knowing how to pay your doctor bills on time is essential for emergency and planned procedures. Medical expenses rapidly accrue, especially if you've undergone intensive treatment or experienced a long hospital stay.
Luckily, we've got seven ways that are bound to help fund your medical expenses, no matter your situation.
7 Ways To Pay Your Doctor Bills On Time
1. Ask For A Payment Plan
Plenty of medical providers, such as dentists, hospitals, and physicians, can provide a payment plan for your medical expenses. It's the most common way to resolve doctor bills if you can't afford to pay them off in one go.
Your bill's amount and specific terms dictate the minimum amount you can pay per month. Generally speaking, they break your bill into multiple even payments over several months until you repay the debt.
Don't forget to ask about fees, interest, or billing charges before agreeing to a payment plan. These can creep up on you and destroy affordability. So, be mindful of these prior to signing documents.
2. Consider A Medical Credit Card
If your medical provider doesn't offer payment plans, they might prefer a medical credit card. Often, they are used for specific medical treatments and procedures. Most health centers and offices have application forms available.
Typically, medical credit cards come with an interest-free period. The duration differs but usually runs between six and 12 months. Figure out whether you can pay it off within that period. If you can't, this isn't your option, as your interest rate will make the debt significantly costlier.
Again, make sure you understand any extra costs you would face if you went over the interest-free period. If you don't ask, you won't fully know whether a medical credit card is your best financial option.
3. Try Unsecured Credit
You have two options here — personal loans or a 0% interest credit card. We'll look at each in turn.
Personal Loans
A loan for healthcare expenses allows you to consolidate your medical bills, pay for emergency treatment, or fund a planned procedure.
If you've exhausted the top two options, getting a personal loan might be your best choice. Loan amounts vary from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on your affordability and debt level.
We suggest shopping around to compare rates, repayment terms, and fees.
0% Interest Credit Card
This is a good option if you can't meet the eligibility criteria for medical credit cards or payment plans. However, you need to have an excellent credit score to qualify.
Plus, you must repay the balance before the 0% interest period ends, and the rate starts.
If you decide to take this path, make sure you only use it to cover medical bills. Otherwise, you'll find it trickier to keep a record of your expenses for tax purposes.
4. Hire A Medical Expenses Advocate
This option is typically for those who have had an extended hospital stay or an ultra-intensive procedure. Why? Because you're probably facing horrendously high doctor bills.
Hiring a medical expenses advocate means you don't have to worry about negotiating — they do it for you. They're experts in health-related billing and understand how to read (and reduce) them. They will spot potential problems or overcharging, ensuring they reduce the amount you owe.
To ensure you find a legitimate, trustworthy professional, use the Medical Billing Advocates of America group. Also, check their fees to make sure they outweigh the savings you'll gain.
5. See If You're Eligible for an Income-Driven Hardship Plan
You might be eligible for this plan if you're a low-income individual facing high medical bills.
It's similar to a regular payment plan because it breaks up the final figure into manageable, regular repayments. Depending on your income level, you might also be able to reduce the amount owed.
Medical care providers offer these plans, so ask for more information at your doctor's office.
6. Negotiate
People are sometimes successful in negotiating their medical bills themselves. Comb through your bills to see if you spot any overcharges or errors before beginning negotiations. You'll have more leverage that way.
7. Try A Payday Loan
Finally, you can get a payday loan from us to cover medical expenses in as little as 24 hours — you don't even need a good credit score!
With our loans, you borrow between $100 to $550 to fund the bills before your next payday. That way, you can repay the debt and move on with your life as soon as possible.
Just bring your driver's license, a blank check, and your most recent pay stub to your local Carolina Payday Loans, Inc., and one of our loan associates will guide you through the process.
Get A Fast Payday Loan Right Now!
Fund your doctor bills on time with our simple payday loans. Fill in the form or give us a call to start the process.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.