Many in Tennessee overwhelmed by medical debt

Access to medical care is a right, not a privilege, but that does not mean it is something everyone can afford. Right now, many Tennessee residents are knee-deep in medical debt. Is there anything they can do to relieve the financial burden?

According to a recent news article, it is believed that 20% of Tennesseans are carrying medical debt. That number is expected to continue going up, as many people have lost their jobs that provided their medical insurance. On top of that, government aid is drying up. Many hospitals offer free care to those who qualify, but even those programs can eventually run out of money.

When a person requires medical care and they do not have the funds to pay their bills, even with insurance picking up part of the tab, there are a few things they can do to ease the financial burden. First, they may be able to lower how much they owe by negotiating with their providers. Second, they may be able to work out affordable repayment plans with their providers. If all else fails, third, they can seek legal assistance pursuing bankruptcy or other available debt relief options.

There is a stigma tied to bankruptcy that causes many people to avoid it at all costs. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, Tennessee residents have to do what they need to in order to better their financial situations. Bankruptcy is not the end of the world. It is possible to recover from it. Those who want to learn more about it and any other debt relief options that may help them overcome their medical debt can turn to legal counsel to ask questions and receive assistance applying for the program that best suits their needs.