Did you know that 62% of bankruptcies filed every year are because of medical debt? With the high cost of healthcare in the United States, if you get sick or injured, medical debt is almost unavoidable. High deductibles, out-of-network costs, and out-of-pocket charges add up quickly. Before you know it, your entire financial future is at risk.
We do not believe our neighbors across the Tri-Cities area should lose everything because they need healthcare. Our attorneys are here to fight back! We'll review your medical bills and look to find legal ways to reduce or discharge them. Then, we'll help you build a plan to get out of debt for good. Contact our Pasco lawyers specializing in medical debt now to schedule your free consultation.
Pasco offers our community a healthy lifestyle. You can enjoy outdoor activities like walking, running, or biking at parks such as Chiawana Park and Sacajawea Park along the Columbia River. For fitness enthusiasts, Pasco hosts fun fitness events like the Tri-City Dust Devils' 5K and the popular Run for the Roses. The city also has scenic walking trails, like the trails at Columbia Park, plus great options for indoor fitness, with fun classes at local gyms like the YMCA. Our area is also home to top-tier healthcare, with facilities like Lourdes Health, Trios Health, and Kadlec Regional Medical Center, which offer us access to excellent care when we need it most. The medical community here is committed to our well-being, with specialists and services that cater to every need.
What Do I Do If I Can't Pay My Medical Bills In Washington State?When it comes to medical debt relief, you have a few options, like negotiating with creditors, consolidating your debt, or even exploring potential settlements. However, when you're dealing with a medical issue, finding legal debt relief is a lot to add to your already overflowing plate. Start by speaking with an expert Pasco medical debt relief attorney. We'll guide you through the bankruptcy process, help you understand your options, and work with you to find the best solution for your situation. With our experience and expertise, we'll make sure you have the support you need to take control of your finances.
How Can A Pasco Attorney Help Me Reduce My Medical Bills?Our Pasco medical debt attorneys can help you reduce the amount you owe through legal negotiation. Medical bills are often complicated and can include mistakes or charges. Your attorney can work directly with medical providers and hospitals to lower the total amount due, whether through negotiation or by securing financial assistance programs. This process can help you avoid overwhelming debt and get you back on track financially without resorting to bankruptcy. Here's how a Pasco attorney can help reduce your medical debt:
In many cases, our Pasco attorneys have saved our clients thousands of dollars. Let us review your medical debt to see what we can save you.
How Can A Pasco Attorney Help Discharge My Medical Debt?Our Pasco attorneys can help you discharge medical debt by guiding you through the legal process, such as filing for bankruptcy, which can eliminate most or all of your outstanding medical bills. Your attorney will help you understand how to discharge your medical debts following federal and Washington state laws. In Chapter 7, most unsecured debts, including medical bills, can be wiped out. In contrast, your attorney can help you restructure your payments in Chapter 13. The bankruptcy judge will discharge any remaining medical debt once you complete your payment plan.
What Is Medical Bankruptcy In Washington State?Medical bankruptcy is a term often used to describe the process of filing for bankruptcy to eliminate or reduce overwhelming medical debt. While there's no specific "medical bankruptcy," you can include medical debt in either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In Chapter 7, the courts typically discharge medical bills along with other unsecured debts like credit cards. On the other hand, medical debt can be restructured and paid over 3 to 5 years in Chapter 13, after which the bankruptcy judge will discharge any remaining balances. Washington state's exemption law protects essential assets from being liquidated during bankruptcy, so you can still keep essential property while addressing medical debt.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy And Medical DebtIn many cases, Washington state Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the fastest way to eliminate medical debt, especially for those with limited income. In Chapter 7, medical debts are considered unsecured debts and are generally eligible for discharge. Once you complete bankruptcy, the court will wipe out most of your medical debt. Medical debt is typically discharged without any repayment, meaning you no longer owe those bills after your bankruptcy period ends. However, Chapter 7 requires you to pass the means test. If the means test determines your income is higher than the Washington state median, you will not qualify for Chapter 7. In that case, you are not out of medical bankruptcy options. Instead, you may need to consider Chapter 13.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy And Medical DebtIn Chapter 13 bankruptcy, medical debts are not immediately discharged but are restructured and included in your repayment plan. Under Chapter 13, you will repay your creditors, including medical providers, over 3 to 5 years based on what you can afford. The total amount of medical debt you owe will determine how much you must pay each month as part of your court-approved plan. At the end of the repayment period, any remaining unpaid medical debt is discharged. Chapter 13 can be an effective option if you have significant medical debt but also have a steady income and the ability to make regular payments. Unlike Chapter 7, Chapter 13 allows you to keep more of your assets while addressing medical debt and other financial challenges.
Do I Qualify For Medical Bankruptcy In Washington?An attorney can help you determine whether or not you qualify for medical bankruptcy in Washington state. Our legal team is here to walk you through the entire process if you are thinking about filing for bankruptcy. We'll help you understand how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 work and determine which one best fits your financial situation. No matter your case, we'll make sure you fully understand your options so you can move forward with confidence. Here's how to qualify for medical bankruptcy:
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Qualifications In Washington State:Our attorneys can help you understand which chapter is the best fit for your situation and whether or not you qualify based on legal criteria.
Contact Our Pasco Debt Relief Team Now For Help With Your Medical BillsHowever, even our healthiest Pasco neighbors can find themselves facing medical debt. With rising healthcare costs and complex billing systems, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We believe our Pasco neighbors shouldn't have to lose everything just to pay medical bills. It can be especially tough when you're struggling with both medical debt and the financial burden of daily expenses in the Tri-Cities. That's where we come in. Our team is here to help you find relief from medical debt and get you out of it for good.
You don’t have to face this alone. Let us help you get back to enjoying the life you love here in Pasco, whether it’s relaxing at Mariposa Park or exploring local restaurants. With our knowledge of Washington state laws, we’re committed to helping you regain control of your finances. Call us now and schedule a free consultation with our experienced Pasco medical debt relief attorneys. We're here to guide you through every step, so you can focus on what matters most.