How To Crush Medical Debt with Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington

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Crushing Medical Debt! 🏥💸
Have you ever been overwhelmed by astronomical medical bills? You're not alone! Today's convo is with Dr. Virgie Bright Ellington, an expert on navigating medical debt, and she has some game-changing advice. 🩺🔍
Medical bills are the leading cause of debt & bankruptcy in the U.S.—& they don't discriminate by age. If you're over 18, you're at risk. But guess what? Dr. Virgie says there's hope, & she's armed with 3 life-saving steps to tackle those bills! 💪📑
Step 1: Get a REAL bill. Demand a copy with CPT codes, just like what’s sent to insurance companies. This helps avoid hidden fees & errors. 🚫🧾
Once you have the CPT codes, Step 2: Use AI or Google search to check what Medicare pays for them. These are typically most fair rates and your new benchmark. 🌐📊
Step 3: Call the billing department with your new number & confidently say, "In my case, I am willing and able to pay [your total]." Trust me, this is negotiating on stealth mode! 😎📞
Dr. Virgie also highlights incredible FREE resources, like the Patient Advocate Foundation, which can guide you through the medical bill maze. Consider them your financial ally! 🆓🤝
Planning ahead is key! Can't afford traditional insurance? Look into accidental or critical illness coverage to protect against catastrophic costs. Some coverage is better than none. 🛡️📋
Feeling anxious about medical costs & financial health? Bring a support person to appointments for a second set of ears, and reach out for help when negotiating or appealing insurance denials. You're not alone! 👫🗨️
Remember, knowledge is power. Question those big bills, use negotiation hacks, & don't hesitate to seek assistance. Your financial health is just as critical as your physical health. 💡💰
Dive deeper and crush medical debt with Dr. Virgie by visiting CrushMedicalDebt.com or her podcast "Medical Bills Uncovered." 🎧💊

For additional information about Kelly, check her out on Linkedin or www.SteadfastAgents.com.
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Steadfast Care Planning podcast is made possible by Steadfast Insurance LLC,
Certification in Long Term Care, and AMADA Senior Care.
Come back next time for more helpful guidance!

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Hospital discharge dilemma (00:02:59)

3. Request real bill with CPT codes (00:06:58)

4. Negotiating medical bills without insurance (00:10:39)

5. Medicare rate negotiation myths (00:16:01)

6. Insurance appeal guidance tips (00:18:58)

7. Young woman struggles with insulin costs (00:20:55)

8. Bring support for medical visits (00:24:05)

9. Hospital bills: explore financial aid (00:27:58)

10. Resource limit misconception clarified (00:29:58)