Whatever your stance on government provided healthcare, insurance laws, or universal coverage plans is, we can all agree that medical bills can be ruinous. If you’ve been hit with unexpected bills that your insurance can’t or won’t cover, you may be wondering what you can do to get money to pay for expenses. Here are a few suggestions that might help.
Try crowdfunding
In the digital era, anyone can set up a donation page online and ask for contributions. It’s easy to get one of these pages started, and if you have dedicated loved ones who are anxious to help, you’ll be able to spread the word and get donations easily.
Start by picking a crowdfunding platform, developing a good description of the medical need and the person who needs it, and then keep it updated regularly. Be sure to thank people for their donations and use every cent you raise to pay medical bills.
Get a viatical settlement
A viatical settlement is when a person sells their life insurance policy for more than its current cash value but less than the final death benefit. Brokers help buyers find eligible life insurance policies, and the immediate flow of cash can pay off medical bills that are weighing you down.
To qualify for a viatical settlement, a person must have a doctor’s verification that life expectancy is 24 months or less or they must have a qualifying chronic illness. While it’s possible to sell a life insurance policy at any time, you’ll usually get more for a viatical settlement.
Hold a yard sale
If you’re like most Americans, you have a lot of stuff around the house that is cluttering up the place. Having a yard sale is a great way to raise funds while also getting rid of some of that clutter.
If you are low on strength, ask friends or neighbors to help or even participate, and advertise the sale itself and some of the most valuable items you’ll be putting up. If you’re using proceeds to pay off medical bills, be sure to advertise that. It will inspire people to feel more generous.
Sell your skills
Do you have a skill that someone will pay you for? Whether you teach yoga classes, make pottery, design jewelry, offer cooking classes, or can tutor someone’s child, there’s probably something you can do that you can make some extra cash with.
If you need a specific location to hold your class or sell your goods, talk to the property owners about splitting proceeds or possibly donating the the cause. Once again, make sure you advertise what you’re raising money for to encourage generosity.
Consider your vehicles
If you have pressing medical bills, it might be worthwhile to sell a newer car and get something cheaper instead.
In America, we tend to think we need lots of cars; and big ones at that. The rest of the world frequently makes do with smaller vehicles and fewer car trips. It’s possible: you just need to be determined to make it work.
Hold a sale
You could sell baked goods, used books, homemade decorations, or all of these. Make some yourself and solicit contributions from people in the community. Everyone has some used books lying around, and most people can make some cupcakes. If you own a few pieces of jewelry, you could also sell them to Estate Jewelry Buying services like Windsor Jewelers. Additionally if you’re into buying American coins or rare byzantine coins, then you can host a public bidding and make a profit.
Leverage the power of social media to broadcast the idea, share news and updates, and encourage people to come. See if the local media can plug the event, as it is for a good cause.
Medical bills can be devastating, but people are more generous than you might think. There are ways to deal with your bills and get the help you need.