Expert: Chris Ebert - 7/19/2009

Question
I am 26 and was admitted under emergency because of a one-time dizziness, high and low blood pressure. The hospital did all the god-damn tests in this world on every part and told me that there was nothing wrong. Now i have a huge bill to pay with no answers and my insurance isn't paying for anything..that's my bad i have a crappy policy..The hospital gave me a charity after i asked them but the chances of qualifying are pretty slim since i have a high income. They are telling me if i dont qualify...i have to pay everything in 6 months. The bill is almost 26,000...paying in 6 months is almost impossible..Do i have to reveal my actual income and letters in the charity application..any suggestions..

Answer
Ravi,

You do have to reveal your true income if asked. From the charity applications I have seen they have a perjury statement at the end. If you lie and it is discovered then the consequences could be worse in the long run.

As far as other options, some people have asked for the cash price which usually gives a 30-40 discount. Most hospitals have a discounted cash price.

Also, some people that I know have also gotten the hospital to extend medicare rates to their bills.

I hope this helps.

Chris