Significant medical bills can come at any age and when least expected. It is important to be financially responsible and prepared for unexpected medical bills. This generally means having health insurance, personal savings, and a health care savings account. The credit scores of 2 in 5 Americans are negatively affected by medical bills, and one in six credit reports contains a medical debt.

If you do receive a big hospital bill, you should (1) address it promptly; (2) work out an interest-free payment plan if necessary; (3) ask for a prompt payment discount; and (4) apply for financial assistance from the hospital, if necessary. By taking these steps, you will be more likely to prevent your medical debt from being sent to a third-party debt collection agency, having it reported to credit bureaus, and damaging your credit score.

In Kansas, as in many states, individuals are encouraged to be proactive in managing their healthcare finances to avoid the negative consequences of unpaid medical bills. Having health insurance, personal savings, and a healthcare savings account are key strategies for being financially prepared for unexpected medical expenses. When faced with significant medical bills, Kansas residents should act quickly to address the debt. Negotiating an interest-free payment plan with the healthcare provider, asking for a prompt payment discount, and applying for financial assistance programs offered by the hospital can help manage the debt. Taking these steps can prevent medical debt from being transferred to a collection agency, which could lead to it being reported to credit bureaus and potentially damaging an individual's credit score. It's important to note that while these are general best practices, specific options and protections may vary based on the healthcare provider's policies and any applicable state laws.