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 North Carolina, it's crucial to be financially prepared for unexpected medical expenses. Health insurance, personal savings, and a healthcare savings account are key components of this preparedness. When faced with significant medical bills, North Carolina residents should act quickly to address the bill, negotiate payment plans, seek discounts, and explore financial assistance options offered by healthcare providers. Taking these steps can help prevent medical debt from escalating to third-party debt collection, which can negatively impact credit scores. It's important to note that while federal laws such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provide a framework for health insurance coverage, state laws may also influence how medical debt is handled, reported, and collected. In North Carolina, residents can also refer to the state's Consumer Finance Act and Debt Collection Act for specific regulations on how debt collectors must operate and the rights of consumers regarding debt collection.