Can’t Pay Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident? Try These Four Things

MARSHALL, Texas. The aftermath of a car or truck accident can be a difficult time for victims and families, especially if you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury that has resulted in high and unexpected medical bills. Victims of car accidents who don’t have medical insurance can face bills that they can’t afford. Even those who have medical insurance might find themselves saddled with surprise medical bills and high deductibles. According to HealthCare.gov, the maximum out of pocket costs for an individual plan is $7,900 and $15,800 for a family plan. This means that even those who have coverage could find themselves paying as much as $15,800 out of pocket for their car accident injuries. What can you do if you find yourself struggling to pay medical bills after a car accident? Here are four steps you can take:

1. Consider Medicare and CHIP. If you are over 65 years of age or if you have children and don’t receive health insurance through your job, you may qualify for certain government insurance programs. According to USA.gov, these programs may be able to offer qualified individuals assistance with their medical expenses.
2. Check for errors in your bills. According to U.S. News & World Report, 99 percent of hospital bills have some kind of error. Improper billing codes, double billing, and mistakes are to be expected. Whether you are paying out of pocket or whether your insurance is covering a portion of your bill, errors can increase your out of pocket burden. Don’t know how to read your medical bill and don’t understand billing codes? You are not alone. If you think there have been serious errors with your medical bills following a crash, consider speaking to the Cooper Law Firm, Marshall, Texas personal injury lawyers who may be able to assist you with understanding your medical bills and who may be able to help you fight errors. 
3. Negotiate the bills with the hospital. If your insurance company isn’t paying the whole bill, or if you are being saddled with the whole bill because you don’t have insurance, consider negotiating with the hospital. Many not for profit hospitals are required to forgive a percentage of their bills. If you can prove that you are low-income, your bill might be forgiven. Additionally, hospitals sometimes charge private insurance patients or patients with no insurance higher rates than those who have in-network insurance. Call the billing department and ask if you can be charged the Medicare rate. You might see a reduction in your bills.
4. Contact a personal injury lawyer. If your hospital bills stem from a car accident or truck accident that was the result of another person or party’s actions, you may be entitled to seek damages from the negligent party to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. The personal injury lawyers at the Cooper Law Firm in Marshall, Texas may be able to help you navigate the claims process and help you pay for unexpected medical bills.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037