3 Tips for Managing Medical Expenses
One of the leading reasons people fall behind on personal finances — and one of the best reasons for an emergency fund — is medical bills. Studies show that medical bills contribute to financial struggles for many families, and that’s why we often work with our members on how to recover from a situation like this. This week I’m going to share a few tips on managing medical expenses.
1. Plan for known expenses.
Although nobody can ever fully know what medical situation they may experience in the future, individuals or families do have some level of control over medical expenses. If your employer offers medical coverage, make a detailed list of what you know you’ll need to pay for in the coming year when you make your elections, as this will be top-of-mind. This includes co-pays on things like scheduled checkups, required follow-up appointments, immunizations, scheduled dental cleanings and medications. If your employer offers it, ideally you could break up the amount and place this in an HSA (health savings account) so you know you’re always covered for the required appointments. If not, create your own savings account through your financial institution that you can add to and draw from.
2. Do your homework (insurance and payment options).
Once you have an appointment or procedure, it’s then coded and submitted to insurance, coverage is established, and you’re sent a bill. During that time period, administrative errors can occur as many professionals have touched it. It’s not something to worry about, but it is important to inquire about the balance ahead of time and double check that your bill matches what you were told. If the amount it still higher than you can afford, most medical organizations offer some kind of payment plan. Calling to check is always better than not paying the bill, as this can have an impact on your credit. Also, medical institutions are known for sending patients to collections quicker than some organizations, so that’s something to be aware of.
3. Consider structured debt.
Even with the best planning in place, surprise medical bills can still pop up and wreak havoc on your finances. We recommend that every family work towards an emergency savings of up to six months of savings, but many have had to dip into their savings out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you end up in that position, know you’re not alone. We work with our members all the time on solutions for this and recommend you reach out to your financial institution for options. Some people wrongly assume that banks or credit unions can’t help with medical bills, but there are certainly ways to consolidate and structure debt so you’re paying as little interest as possible until you’re able to catch up.
As we continue to endure the global pandemic, it’s perhaps never been more important to align medical needs with finances. I hope these tips help you prepare for or recover from medically related financial obstacles for years to come.
