Crushing Medical Debt! ๐ฅ๐ธ
Have you ever been overwhelmed by astronomical medical bills? You're not alone! Today's convo is with Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington, an expert on navigating medical debt, and she has some game-changing advice. ๐ฉบ๐ย
Medical bills are the leading cause of debt & bankruptcy in the U.S.โ& they don't discriminate by age. If you're over 18, you're at risk. But guess what? Dr. Virgie says there's hope, & she's armed with 3 life-saving steps to tackle those bills! ๐ช๐ย
Step 1: Get a REAL bill. Demand a copy with CPT codes, just like whatโs sent to insurance companies. This helps avoid hidden fees & errors. ๐ซ๐งพ
Once you have the CPT codes, Step 2: Use AI or Google search to check what Medicare pays for them. These are typically most fair rates and your new benchmark. ๐๐ย
Step 3: Call the billing department with your new number & confidently say, "In my case, I am willing and able to pay [your total]." Trust me, this is negotiating on stealth mode! ๐๐ย
Dr. Virgie also highlights incredible FREE resources, like the Patient Advocate Foundation, which can guide you through the medical bill maze. Consider them your financial ally! ๐๐คย
Planning ahead is key! Can't afford traditional insurance? Look into accidental or critical illness coverage to protect against catastrophic costs. Some coverage is better than none. ๐ก๏ธ๐ย
Feeling anxious about medical costs & financial health? Bring a support person to appointments for a second set of ears, and reach out for help when negotiating or appealing insurance denials. You're not alone! ๐ซ๐จ๏ธย
Remember, knowledge is power. Question those big bills, use negotiation hacks, & don't hesitate to seek assistance. Your financial health is just as critical as your physical health. ๐ก๐ฐย
Dive deeper and crush medical debt with Dr. Virgie by visiting CrushMedicalDebt.com or her podcast "Medical Bills Uncovered." ๐ง๐ย
For additional information about Kelly, check her out on Linkedin or www.SteadfastAgents.com.
To explore your options for long-term care insurance, click here.
Steadfast Care Planning podcast is made possible by Steadfast Insurance LLC,
Certification in Long Term Care, and AMADA Senior Care.
Come back next time for more helpful guidance!
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