If you have been injured at work and have filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may be wondering how you will pay your medical bills until you receive a settlement. Medical bills can quickly add up, and without proper planning, they can put you in a difficult financial situation. In this blog post, we will discuss several options for paying your medical bills until you receive your settlement.
Use your health insurance:
If you have health insurance, it may be able to cover your medical bills until your workers’ compensation claim is settled. This can be an effective way to pay for medical bills, as health insurance is often accepted by healthcare providers and may cover a larger portion of the bill than workers’ compensation would. However, using your health insurance may require that you pay a deductible or copay, and your health insurance company may seek reimbursement from the workers’ compensation carrier once your claim is settled. Additionally, not all health insurance policies cover work-related injuries or illnesses, so it’s important to check with your health insurance company to see if they will cover your medical bills.
Negotiate with healthcare providers:
If you are unable to use your health insurance, you can try negotiating with your healthcare providers to lower the cost of your medical bills. Many healthcare providers are willing to negotiate and offer discounts if you are unable to pay your bills in full. Before negotiating, you should review your medical bills carefully and make sure that all of the charges are accurate. You can also ask for a payment plan to make smaller payments over time. It’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider early on about any financial concerns you have, as waiting until the bill is past due can make it more difficult to negotiate.
Use your personal funds:
If you have personal funds, such as savings, you can use them to pay your medical bills until you receive your settlement. This option may not be ideal, but it can help prevent medical bills from going to collections and negatively affecting your credit score. Before using your personal funds, you should review your budget carefully to make sure that you can afford to make the payments. It’s also a good idea to keep detailed records of all payments made, as these may be necessary for reimbursement later on.
Use a medical funding company:
Medical funding companies offer loans to help pay for medical bills related to workers’ compensation claims. These loans are usually non-recourse, meaning you do not have to pay them back if you do not win your case. However, these loans often come with high-interest rates and fees, so be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions before accepting a loan. Additionally, not all medical funding companies are reputable, so it’s important to do your research and only work with a company that has a good track record.
Seek assistance from your workers’ compensation attorney:
Your workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the process of paying your medical bills. They may be able to negotiate with healthcare providers on your behalf or help you obtain a loan from a medical funding company. Additionally, your attorney can work to ensure that your medical bills are paid in a timely manner and that you receive the best possible settlement for your case. It’s important to communicate with your attorney early on about any financial concerns you have, as they can help you develop a plan for paying your medical bills while your case is ongoing.
There are several options for paying your medical bills until you receive your workers’ compensation settlement. If you have health insurance, it may be able to cover your medical bills, or you can try negotiating with healthcare providers or using personal funds. You can also consider using a medical funding company or seeking assistance from your workers’ compensation attorney. It is important to explore all of your options and choose the option that is best for your situation.
Contact Robert Wilson & Associates for Help Seeking Compensation for Medical Bills
At Robert Wilson & Associates, our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can help you navigate the process of paying your medical bills and pursuing the settlement you deserve. Contact us today at (612) 334-3444 to schedule a free consultation.