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Medical Debt Attorney in Springfield
For many of us, unexpected expenses can be the beginning of a financial downfall. Even the most planned out budget can be shattered by a major unexpected medical expense. Medical bankruptcy is a term often used when this unexpected expense arises and creates a domino effect in one’s finances. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be filed to lessen the financial burden caused by medical debt.
Medical bills from:
- Hospitals
- Physicians
- Ambulance rides
- Rehabilitation programs
- Any other source of medical treatment are debts that are dischargeable in bankruptcy
Consulting with a medical debt bankruptcy attorney in Springfield is an important step in understanding how debt can be resolved and ensure the proper timing of a bankruptcy filing.
Schedule your consultation by filling out our online form or calling us directly at (417) 213-5006 today.
How Medical Debt Accumulates
Although many people have medical insurance to offset the cost of medical bills, the cost of medical treatment can still be unmanageable. High deductibles, difficulties in dealing with insurance companies, and charges for out of network treatment can make medical debt overwhelming.
One medical event that lands you in the hospital for a few days can lead to over a $50,000 bill. Even with insurance, you may still owe a significant amount out of pocket. Without insurance, you may end up with a bill that will be impossible to pay.
Healthcare costs are rising in the United States and are often one of the biggest expenses Americans must pay. If you are swimming in unpaid medical debt and feeling like you’ll never be able to pay them off, you’re not alone.
Outstanding medical costs are a huge factor in many personal bankruptcies. Although it is difficult to determine just how many bankruptcies are triggered by medical debt, we would estimate it is a factor in nearly 50% of the cases that we file.
Can Medical Debt Affect My Credit Score?
Medical debt can affect your credit score if it goes unpaid. Medical bills that are not paid in a timely manner can typically be sent to collections, which will negatively impact your credit score. However, some credit scoring models treat medical debt differently than other types of debt, and recent credit reporting changes in regulations have made it less likely for medical debt to have a long-term negative impact on credit scores. Medical debt can say on your credit report for 7 years
If the debt goes unpaid, medical providers or collection agencies can file a lawsuit against an individual for unpaid medical debt.
Here to Help Clients Fight Medical Debt
Frequently, clients ask us if they can file a medical bankruptcy in Springfield. Although, many bankruptcies are a result of medical debt, there is not a chapter of bankruptcy just for medical debt. However, medical debts are considered unsecured debt that can be eliminated in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
If you’re thinking about filing a bankruptcy case to get a handle on your medical debt, schedule a free consultation. We will review your information for eliminating your medical debt. Sadly, one’s finances often take the priority over one’s health. Filing a bankruptcy may be the solution you need.
