 TITLE: How Does Medical Debt Affect Your Credit Score? CONTENT: What to Do if You Can't Pay Your Medical Bills\n----------------------------------------------\nIf you know you won't be able to pay off medical bills on time, don't panic. One of the following options may solve your problem.\n*   **See if you can negotiate your medical bills.** Health care providers are often willing to work with you because they'd rather get some of what they're owed than get nothing at all. For example, some providers offer substantial discounts if you agree to pay a lower amount in full, or if you make a large down payment and then pay the rest over time.\n*   **Try to work out a repayment plan.** Your health care provider may be willing to break the bill down into monthly payments, which can make it more manageable for your budget. Just be aware that any interest or fees the provider charges will add to the cost of the original bill.\n*   **Hire a medical billing advocate.** Medical billing advocates work with health care providers and insurance companies to help resolve medical bills on behalf of individuals. The service isn't free, but it can be worth the cost. A medical billing advocate can save you thousands of dollars, not to mention hours of time on the phone with insurers and provider offices.\n*   **Find out if you qualify for financial assistance.** Depending on your income, you may be able to get help paying medical bills from Medicaid, local or state programs, religious groups or nonprofit organizations, and charities.\n*   **Use a personal loan or credit card.** These should be your options of last resort, as you'll incur interest on the amount you borrow or charge. Don't get a loan secured by your home or other assets; you could lose them if you default. If you plan to use credit, a card with a lengthy 0% APR introductory offer on purchases can provide extra time to pay off your medical debt without paying interest—but make it a goal to pay off the debt before the higher rate kicks in. END