There are people who think that filing for bankruptcy is the easiest and simplest way to eliminate debt. Actually, this is far from the truth because bankruptcy will bring down your credit rating and make it hard for you to get loans for about ten years, starting from the time you filed. Bankruptcy can also hinder promotions or employment opportunities.
Based on statistics, fifty percent of claims in America are medical bankruptcies as people are unable to pay for their medical expenses. This is because they suffer from serious health problems or sudden unemployment. There are ways to avoid medical bankruptcy, though. You just need some money management and levelheadedness.
Let us give you some tips so you can avoid claiming medical bankruptcy:
1. Open a savings account – if you haven’t one, then it’s about time you do to set aside money to use on your “rainy day”, especially if you do not have medical insurance coverage. If you’re wondering just how much money to set aside each month, you can base it on what you’d normally pay for insurance. Another good rate to pattern your monthly savings on is the amount deducted from your salary by your employer.
2. Leave your savings alone – if it is not for your “rainy day”, do not touch it. Even if you don’t end up using it for medical expenses, you can use it as a nice retirement bonus for yourself later on.
3. Get regular checkups – you can take advantage of free checkups offered by hospitals or your community. There are also charity events or company sponsored ones that offer this free service.
4. Apply for rewards points programs or discount cards – you can get them from local pharmacies so you are eligible for reduced prices or special promotions for your medicine.
5. Stay healthy – obviously, if you’re healthy, you’ll be able to avoid seeking treatment and paying all those expensive medical bills. You should get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get immediate treatment for any sickness to prevent it from becoming worse.
Remember, medical bankruptcy is not a decision to be taken lightly. Set up a free initial consultation with a bankruptcy attorney to discuss all your options.