Struggling with debt?

Are you drowning in medical debt, from unexpected hospital bills, doctor visits, or surgeries? You’re not alone. Medical debt is a huge problem in America, affecting millions of people. In fact, it’s the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S.But there is hope. If you live in Mesa, Arizona and are struggling with medical bills you can’t pay, you have options for debt relief. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about handling medical debt in Mesa, including:

• Your rights as a consumer
• How to negotiate with hospitals and debt collectors
• Options for financial assistance and charity care
• When to consider bankruptcy for medical debt
• Where to get free or low-cost legal help in Mesa

So take a deep breath. You can get through this. Let’s dive in and talk about how to take control of your medical debt situation.

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Know Your Rights When Dealing with Medical Debt Collectors

First things first: you have rights when it comes to medical debt collection. Debt collectors must follow certain rules under federal and state law. In Arizona, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits harassment, false statements, and unfair practices by debt collectors.This means a medical debt collector cannot:

• Call you at inconvenient times, like before 8am or after 9pm
• Contact you at work if you tell them not to
• Use profane or abusive language
• Lie about the amount you owe
• Falsely claim you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay
• Add unauthorized interest, fees or charges

If a debt collector violates your rights, you can file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s office. You may also have grounds for a lawsuit against the collector.The key is to know your rights and stand up for yourself. Don’t let debt collectors bully you into paying a medical bill you can’t afford.

How to Negotiate Medical Bills with Hospitals and Providers

Just because you get a huge hospital bill doesn’t mean you necessarily have to pay the full amount. In many cases, you can negotiate with the hospital or doctor’s office to reduce your bill. Here are some tips:

1. Request an itemized bill. Go through it carefully and look for errors, overcharges, or duplicate charges. If you find mistakes, ask the billing department to remove or correct them.
2. Ask about financial assistance programs. Many hospitals offer charity care or discounted rates for low-income patients. You’ll likely need to provide proof of income, but it’s worth applying if you qualify.
3. Offer to pay a lump sum. If you have some cash on hand, offer to pay a portion of the bill in exchange for having the rest forgiven. Hospitals may be willing to accept a reduced amount to settle the debt quickly.
4. Set up a payment plan. If you can’t pay the full bill at once, ask about setting up a monthly payment plan with no interest. Be sure you can afford the payments before agreeing to a plan.
5. Seek help from a medical billing advocate. These professionals can review your bills for errors and negotiate with providers on your behalf. Look for an advocate with experience handling medical debt.

The worst thing you can do is ignore your medical bills. They won’t go away on their own. If you don’t pay, the hospital may send your bill to collections or even sue you. So be proactive and communicate with your providers to work out a solution.

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Applying for Financial Assistance and Charity Care Programs

If you’re low-income or uninsured, you may qualify for financial assistance to help with your medical bills. Arizona hospitals are required by law to offer charity care programs for eligible patients.To apply, you’ll need to fill out an application and provide documentation of your income and assets. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and proof of expenses. The hospital will review your application and let you know if you qualify for reduced-cost or free care.Even if you have insurance, you may still be eligible for financial assistance based on your income. It’s worth asking the hospital about their programs and applying if you think you may qualify.In addition to hospital charity care, there are also government assistance programs and non-profit organizations in Arizona that can help with medical expenses. These include:

• AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid program)
• The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
• Maricopa County’s Health Care for the Homeless program
• CoppeRx Prescription Assistance

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are resources available to assist with medical bills if you know where to look.

When to Consider Bankruptcy for Medical Debt

In some cases, medical debt may be so overwhelming that bankruptcy is the best option for a fresh start. Bankruptcy can eliminate most or all of your unsecured debts, including medical bills.There are two main types of personal bankruptcy:

• Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidates your assets to pay off as much debt as possible, with remaining eligible debts discharged. It’s a quick process, typically taking 4-6 months. To qualify, you must pass a means test based on your income and expenses.
• Chapter 13 bankruptcy reorganizes your debts into an affordable 3-5 year repayment plan. You don’t have to liquidate assets, but you must have sufficient income to make plan payments. At the end of the plan, remaining eligible debts are discharged.

Medical bills are unsecured debts that can be fully discharged in bankruptcy. However, bankruptcy has serious consequences. It will damage your credit for 7-10 years, making it harder to get loans, housing, or even employment.Bankruptcy should be a last resort after you’ve exhausted all other options. A knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can advise you on whether bankruptcy is right for your situation. Which brings us to our last point…

Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help in Mesa

Dealing with medical debt collectors and considering bankruptcy can be overwhelming. You may need legal advice to know your rights and weigh your options.Fortunately, there are free and low-cost legal resources in Mesa for those struggling with debt:

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• Community Legal Services offers free legal assistance to low-income Arizonans. They have a self-help site with information on debt collection and bankruptcy.
• Arizona Free Legal Answers is an online service where you can ask a volunteer attorney a question about your civil legal issue, including debt problems.
• Maricopa County Superior Court has a Law Library Resource Center with legal information and forms for self-represented litigants.
• Arizona State Bar holds free legal clinics where you can get brief one-on-one advice from volunteer lawyers. Check their calendar for upcoming debt/bankruptcy clinics.

You can also search for free or reduced-fee bankruptcy attorneys through the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys or Legal Services Corporation.

The Bottom Line on Medical Debt Relief

Drowning in medical debt is stressful and overwhelming. But you have options. Don’t ignore your bills or your rights. Be proactive, know your consumer protections, and reach out for assistance.Whether you negotiate with the hospital, apply for charity care, work out a payment plan, or file for bankruptcy, there are ways to get your medical debt under control. And there are resources and legal aid available to help.