4 ms·

Ok, in the US we are one medical trip away from complete bankruptcy. Not too long ago there was an article saying the average person in America doesn't have $40

Ok, in the US we are one medical trip away from complete bankruptcy. Not too long ago there was an article saying the average person in America doesn't have $400 stashed away for an emergency. So what do you do when you get this bill? You can't pay, you don't have the money. What do you do?

steanne 8y ago
you don't go. https://globalnews.ca/news/4311663/massachusetts-subway-injury-ambulance-cost/ https://globalnews.ca/news/4311663/massachusetts-subway-inju...
mirimir 8y ago
As I understand it, bankruptcy is often not necessary. In the US, public hospitals must provide service to patients who can not pay. So they typically forgive unpaid fees. But private hospitals and clinics are more likely to sell unpaid balances to collection agencies. And then bankruptcy is the only way out. Also, if they know that you won't be able to pay, they may do whatever's needed to keep you alive, and then transfer you to a public hospital.
Jach 8y ago
You contest what you can, and then you arrange a payment plan... also I believe the median surplus income (mean is higher) per month in America is ~$1k, most Americans just do something with it (leave it in checking account, invest it, or spend it) instead of putting it in a separate savings account. Your general complaint about high medical costs is on point of course, but for most people in America they could pay off a dumb $18k bill over a period of time if they had to.
- tscs37 8y ago
  What if something else happens during that time? 1k$ surplus income per month on a 18k$ bill means you'd have to forfeit all surplus income for 18 months. If any other medical emergency happens and you have another 18k bill? Or a car accident (of which there are a lot)? Or car just breaks down? What if you get fired and spend a few months searching a new job? This isn't exactly financial security with such a bill pending over your head plus numerous other bills being a possibility.
  - Jach 8y ago
    > 1k$ surplus income per month on a 18k$ bill means you'd have to forfeit all surplus income for 18 months. Sure, if you were intent on paying it off as quickly as possible. Most likely your payment plan would be less than that. Ultimately if enough "what if something else happens?" happen, you file for bankruptcy. There's no such thing as financial security for anyone when you deal in the world of what-ifs.
    - tscs37 8y ago
      There is financial security for me. I don't have to worry about not being able to pay my hospital bill. I won't have to file for bankruptcy because I'm unable to pay because that doesn't happen. So there is certainly some financial security for anyone in the world of what-ifs, atleast as far as medical coverage is concerned.

steanne 8y ago

you don't go. https://globalnews.ca/news/4311663/massachusetts-subway-injury-ambulance-cost/ https://globalnews.ca/news/4311663/massachusetts-subway-inju...

mirimir 8y ago

As I understand it, bankruptcy is often not necessary. In the US, public hospitals must provide service to patients who can not pay. So they typically forgive unpaid fees. But private hospitals and clinics are more likely to sell unpaid balances to collection agencies. And then bankruptcy is the only way out. Also, if they know that you won't be able to pay, they may do whatever's needed to keep you alive, and then transfer you to a public hospital.

Jach 8y ago

You contest what you can, and then you arrange a payment plan... also I believe the median surplus income (mean is higher) per month in America is ~$1k, most Americans just do something with it (leave it in checking account, invest it, or spend it) instead of putting it in a separate savings account. Your general complaint about high medical costs is on point of course, but for most people in America they could pay off a dumb $18k bill over a period of time if they had to.

tscs37 8y ago
What if something else happens during that time? 1k$ surplus income per month on a 18k$ bill means you'd have to forfeit all surplus income for 18 months. If any other medical emergency happens and you have another 18k bill? Or a car accident (of which there are a lot)? Or car just breaks down? What if you get fired and spend a few months searching a new job? This isn't exactly financial security with such a bill pending over your head plus numerous other bills being a possibility.
- Jach 8y ago
  > 1k$ surplus income per month on a 18k$ bill means you'd have to forfeit all surplus income for 18 months. Sure, if you were intent on paying it off as quickly as possible. Most likely your payment plan would be less than that. Ultimately if enough "what if something else happens?" happen, you file for bankruptcy. There's no such thing as financial security for anyone when you deal in the world of what-ifs.
  - tscs37 8y ago
    There is financial security for me. I don't have to worry about not being able to pay my hospital bill. I won't have to file for bankruptcy because I'm unable to pay because that doesn't happen. So there is certainly some financial security for anyone in the world of what-ifs, atleast as far as medical coverage is concerned.