Medical Bills Assistance Programs for African Americans

If there is one thing that most Americans can agree upon it is that medical bills in the country are expensive. The way our medical system is set up it leaves many people struggling to pay for medical care. The medical bills that people get can often leave them feeling financially challenged to get them paid, as well as even lead some people to filing for bankruptcy. The good news is that there is medical bills assistance programs for African Americans and others.

Those who need help paying for medical bills do have programs they can turn to. Depending on their salary, they may qualify for programs that will completely pay for their medical bills, or that will partially help pay for the bills. Applying for the programs that will provide help does not cost anything, so it never hurts to apply and see if you are able to get it approved.

Obtaining Medical Debt

Millions of people in America have medical debt because it is costly to visit a doctor or hospital and health insurance is also expensive. Even those who have health insurance are often left with medical bills that pile up, because they have high deductibles and co-pays every time they get medical help. This, along with the millions of people in the country who do not have any health insurance at all, adds up to a lot of personal medical debt.

Having medical debt can lead to a negative credit score, so it is important that it is addressed. Left unpaid, the medical debt could lower your credit score, which can make it more difficult to get loans and keep you from getting better interest rates. If you have a lot of medical debt, such as a hospital bill, reach out to the hospital to make a monthly payment arrangement that you are comfortable with.

Programs Offering Medical Bill Assistance

There are several programs you can turn to if you need help with paying medical bills. Apply with all those that you feel qualified for to see if you are approved. They may also be able to suggest other options to you so that you get the bills paid and are no longer burdened with the medical debt.

Medicaid – This is a program offered by the federal government and it is available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. The program helps people pay for their medical bills. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements they have set forth. Those who qualify will be able to get help paying for their medical bills. The program will pay for hospital stays, primary care visits, eye doctor visits, specialists, diagnostic testing, and more. It will also pay for prescription drugs that you may need. Medicaid is the largest and most popular program to apply for if you need help paying for medical bills. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through Medicaid. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications for the program you can continue getting help through it. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.

Medicare – This is a program that is similar to Medicaid, but it is for those who are age 65 and up, or who have a disability. If you fit that category and have a low income then you may be able to get medical bill assistance through the Medicare program. It is provided through the federal government and available around the country. There is no limit to how long you can receive help from the program as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. Like Medicaid, the program is open to those who are citizens or legal non-citizens. If approved, the program will help pay for most types of traditional medical bills, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, primary care, urgent care, and more. To get more information about the Medicare program or apply, click here.

Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) – This is a health insurance program provided by the federal government and is available in all states and U.S. territories. The program provides health insurance for those families that cannot afford to purchase insurance on their own, and yet do not qualify for Medicaid because they have a higher income than is required for that program. The CHIP program will provide low cost health insurance coverage for children, which provides families with medical bill assistance. You can apply at any time of the year. If approved, it covers routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, dental and vision care, x-rays, hospital care, emergency services, and more. To get more information or apply for the CHIP program, click here.

Care Credit – Millions of people get help paying for their medical bills through Care Credit. This is an option that doesn’t pay the bills for you, but it helps make paying them a little easier. It is essentially a credit card that is for medical bills. You can visit your doctor or dentist and pay for the treatment with this card, then pay it off over time. They often provide zero interest specials if you get it paid back within so many months. You will want to inquire about the interest rate specials before planning to use it for a medical service that is costly, so that you don’t have to pay a lot of interest. Watch for their zero percent interest periods and if possible, plan using the card then to pay for the medical services you need. Then you can pay for it slowly over time, sending in a payment each month. To get more information or apply for a Care Credit account, click here.

In addition to these options, you may also be able to get help with paying for medical bills by contacting local organizations, churches, and veteran services (if you are a veteran). Many churches and local nonprofit organizations have programs in place to help African Americans and others with medical assistance, and other ways to help when people are financially challenged.

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