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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Surveying the Activities Requirements: Introduction of New Activities Guidelines AVA21430VNB1, April 2006 This satellite broadcast and web cast will introduce the new surveyor guidance for the activities and activity director requirements.

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Guidelines When Dealing With Unpaid Medical Debt

Medical debt is actually one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the United States. Don’t become a statistic and file for bankruptcy if you are plagued with medical debt! . One thing people Below are some guidelines which can help you end your medical debt instead of filing for bankruptcy.

Do Not transfer medical debt to credit cards

Try not to move medical bills to a credit card, try not to be pressuring into doing it. Moving the medical debt to a credit card is not a good decision because most likely the interest rate on the balance will be much higher than if you carried the debt with the medical provider. Also, if you move your balance to a credit card, this usually reduces your likelihood of receiving Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility is mainly determined by amount of gross income. Therefore, any medical debt you have lowers your gross income whereas any credit card debt you have will not lower your gross income.

Be diligent about making payments ontime

Secondly, try your best to make timely payments towards paying off the medical bills. Missing payments can negatively impact your credit and will most likely result in a higher debt amount owed. Therefore, the more proactive you are with your medical bills the the better your credit score will be which will affect your future interest rates and ability to pay additional debts.

Negotiate the bills and negotiate a payment plan

If you are unable to make payments call the hospital or doctor’s office you have medical bills and try to negotiate a payment plan that fits your budget. Know that they would much rather negotiate with you and have you make payments or pay less instead of you going bankrupt and not receive no money. If you can’t do this one your own, consider a credit counseling company or medical bill mediation firm. Using one of these companies can make payments much easier.

Look to charity organizations for help

Many charity organizations may help resolve medical debt. Most organizations are more willing to help those that are extremely in need and have exhausted all other options.

Qualify for Medicaid for relief

Try applying for Medicaid. Medicaid is a dual sponsored program by federal and state funding. Each state offers Medicaid and the plans vary from state to state. Try to research the state you are considered a resident of and see if you would qualify for Medicaid. Depending on your state, past medical bills may be covered or partially covered by your state Medicaid plan.

Other great articles on Medical Bill Negotiation

and Medical Debt Options

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5 Guidelines for Help With Medical Debt

Medical debt is actually a bigger factor in people filing for bankruptcy then credit card debt. Don’t be a statistic and file for bankruptcy if you are plagued with medical debt! Below are some guidelines which can help you pay off or deal with your medical debt instead of filling for bankruptcy.

Don’t transfer medical debt to a credit card

Avoid transferring any medical debt you have to a credit card. Doing a balance transfer to a credit card is not a good decision because usually the interest you will incur will significantly raise your total balance. Moreover, usually the interest rate is lower on medical bills versus a credit card. Furthermore, if you transfer the medical debt balance to a credit card you usually will reduce your chance of getting Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility is largely determined by your gross income. Therefore, any medical debt you have lowers your gross income whereas any credit card debt you have will not lower your gross income.

Be proactive and stay on top of your bills

Second, be proactive with your medical bills. Missing payments can severely hurt your credit and can result in additional fees and interest. Therefore, the more proactive you are with your medical bills the better chance you have of preventing your credit score from declining.

Negotiate payment plans if unable to pay and/or work with credit counselors

If you are unable to make payments call the hospital or doctor’s office you have medical bills and try to negotiate a payment plan that fits your budget. If you feel more comfortable, have a debt settlement or credit counseling company do this for you. These companies are experts in negotiating with creditors (hospitals, third party billing agencies, collection agencies etc) to either help you get a more reasonable payment plan and even sometimes negotiate your total medical debt to a lower balance amount. To start this process, fill out the form at the top here. Make sure you record the companies, names, numbers, and the dates of phone calls for anyone you are dealing with (whether you are negotiating directly or having a company negotiate for you).

Look to charity organizations for help

By doing a simple search online, you can probably find many non profit organizations, churches, or community organizations that might be willing to help you with your medical debt. Realize though, that most organizations usually help those individuals who are the neediest first.

Apply for Medicaid

If possible look to apply for Medicaid. Medicaid is a dual sponsored program by federal and state funding. Each state offers Medicaid and the plans vary from state to state. Try to research your state and see if you are eligible for Medicaid. Depending on your state, past medical bills may be covered or partially covered by your state Medicaid plan. Here is a link to get started: http://www.cms.hhs.gov

Find more debt relief solutions by visiting www.EndThisDebt.com a website that specializes in providing debt help advice as well connecting individuals with debt specialists based on their individual debt situation.

If you need help with your debt and would like to get a free debt consultation please fill out the form here.
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Surveying the Activities Requirements: Introduction of New Activities Guidelines

Guidelines When Dealing With Unpaid Medical Debt

5 Guidelines for Help With Medical Debt

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