NEW! Chambliss Law Firm Monthly Editorial

What the Planner Never Planned –
A Lesson in Overcoming the Unexpected
by Amy Boulware, Elder Care Planning Manager, (LAP MSW)

My husband and I planned for our first daughter. We loved children and wanted to be parents.  I must admit I have always been a planner. My husband actually says that I was one of those people who puts everything into neat little boxes. I was organized to a fault and just knew that as long as I worked hard at something it would turn out exactly as I had planned.  

I say was because on December 8, 1991 our life changed forever, and it was nothing like what we had planned. Our daughter Amanda was born almost three months early and weighed two pounds and one and one-half ounces as a result of me having toxemia. [click to read full story]

So, my advice from the story is -

1.  Realize everything is negotiable. You may be able to get a portion of the bill reduced. It is always okay to ask if they are willing to discount. Ask the billing office how much the bill would be if you paid cash today. 

2. Ask to make a payment plan that will work within your budget. When our daughter was born, we were asked to pay her entire bill by putting it on a credit card. This would have been a terrible idea. Most hospitals do not charge interest on the balance and are willing to accept reasonable payments.

3.  Ask about charity programs. Most hospitals, especially nonprofit hospitals, have charity programs that pick up all or part of the cost of care if you meet certain eligibility requirements.  Talk to a case manager or hospital social worker for resources.