Don't Let Medical Debt Destroy Your Financial Wellbeing: Guidewell Financial Lists Five Preventive Strategies
Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) July 21, 2016 -- Sam and Rachel Smith’s life changed the day their 12-year old daughter, Tara, was struck by a car. Fortunately she survived, but only after hospitalization, physical therapy, and weeks of supervised home care. Just as Tara went back to school, the medical bills started to arrive. Rachel says, “We ended up $65,000 in debt and were left owing $10,000 ourselves. This year we finally repaid what we owe, but our credit score has taken a hit.”
The Effects of Medical Debt
The Smith family’s experience is not uncommon. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that one in five Americans will struggle to repay medical debts this year.
Dr. Christine Callahan, a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work, and former oncology social worker, says, “When health issues arise, people on limited incomes often face an insurmountable challenge: how to repay medical debts and still afford essentials like housing, childcare, and transportation. Their financial problems may be compounded by stressors such as underinsurance, cultural and language barriers, or lack of access to proper care.”
Nina Heck, Advocacy Director at nonprofit Guidewell Financial Solutions, agrees. “Medical expenses are one of the top reasons clients contact our agency. They may have lost pay due to missed work or even have dipped into their savings to cover necessities. Some have used their credit cards to meet everyday expenses or pay ongoing medical bills. Only making the minimum monthly credit payment or missing payments makes it even harder for them to repay what they owe.”
How can consumers avoid this scenario? Having a financial plan and taking a proactive approach to health care help reduce emotional and financial stress if problems arise.
Strategy 1 - Tighten Your Budget and Save
Heck says, “If you have a budget that works and understand how to manage money, you’ll be better positioned should something unexpected happen. Take a look at your current financial resources. How much would you be able to spend without encountering financial hardship? If you don’t have an emergency nest egg, start by paying yourself first.”
Guidewell Financial provides no-cost budget and credit counseling sessions for clients who need help assessing their finances and setting up or tightening their budget. The agency also offers financial coaching for those who want to learn to save. These programs are available by phone and in-person at the agency’s offices in Maryland and Delaware.
Strategy 2 - Think Preventively
Healthy choices and early medical detection are also important. It pays to take advantage of the screening and other preventive services insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid provide.
Strategy 3 - Maintain Open Communication with Your Health Care Provider
When accidents or unexpected illnesses occur, Callahan says, “Talk honestly with your providers about treatment costs and see what you can work out. What resources are available if you have limited means? If you’re in a cancer care setting and have access to a financial navigator or oncology social worker, talk with that person about your concerns.”
Strategy 4 - Avoid Using Credit to Cover Medical Debt
Heck says, “When medical bills loom, don’t use credit cards to make up the difference. This will only make things worse. Our debt management program provides a structured repayment plan that may help. We also make referrals to additional resources.”
Strategy 5 - Keep a Close Eye on Your Credit Reports
Like the Smiths, many consumers see their credit scores plummet when unpaid medical debts end up on their credit report. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, some 43 million Americans are currently in this position. However, a third of these have otherwise flawless credit. The good news is that the three major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion- have recently changed how medical debt is reported in an effort to lessen the impact on consumers' credit scores.
Heck says, “Consumers now have a full 180 days to pay medical bills before these debts can be included on their credit reports. When bills are paid in full, they have to be removed. Each of us has a right to receive one free credit report a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. If you have medical debt, use this opportunity to make sure there are no surprises.”
Consumers can access free credit reports for all three agencies at http://www.annualcreditreport.com or schedule a financial counseling or coaching appointment with Guidewell Financial at 1-800-642-2227. Further information is available about the agency’s services at http://www.guidewellfs.org. Planning and proactive strategies can save consumers stress and help them maintain financial wellbeing when unexpected medical setbacks strike.
About Guidewell Financial Solutions
Guidewell Financial Solutions (also known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware, Inc.) is an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that helps stabilize communities by creating hope and promoting economic self-sufficiency to individuals and families through financial education and counseling. Maryland License #14-01 / Delaware License #07-01
Nancy Stark, Director of Public Affairs, Guidewell Financial Solutions, http://www.guidewellfs.org, +1 410-357-0614, [email protected]
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