Parents with full-time jobs have a lot to juggle. Working 40 hours a week and making it home to see their children every day can be difficult. However, if their kids ever get sick, this can pose a whole new obstacle.
The cost of child care is very expensive. As a result, many parents can’t afford to use this option while they are at work. According to a new survey from the University of Michigan, nearly one-third of parents are afraid of losing their jobs if they stay home to care for a sick child.
Out of the parents who get time off to care for their sick children, 31 percent claim they don’t get enough time and still feel they may be at risk of losing their jobs. This is especially concerning with winter weather approaching. This time of year often results in increased illnesses, including everything from the common cold to the flu.
Some companies allow their employees to take the time needed, but only in particular situations. For example, some employers require doctor’s notes, while others disallow time off unless a child is on antibiotics.
Many ailments don’t always require such measures, and parents may be forced to take certain actions that could result in unnecessary medical bills. According to the survey, 8 percent of parents take their children to the emergency room, rather than a private doctor when they get sick. While this may be more convenient, it is often a more expensive option.
Dealing With An Unexpected Medical Bill
Although cash advance loans may be able to help you cover a sudden medical expenses, you may have other options.
When it comes to saving on medical bills preparation is key. Nowadays, the Internet can give you access to a world of medical information you may not have had in the past. This ranges from a diagnosis to the cost of certain procedures and prescriptions.
With this information, you will be able to better discuss your options with your doctor. While it’s not always guaranteed they will agree with your option, opening this line of discourse could lead to more affordable medical bills.
After a trip to the doctor or emergency room, make sure you review your medical bill afterward. There’s always a chance that this document contains errors. The last thing you want to do after dealing with a sick kid is paying too much for medical services. When you get your bill, ask for an itemized list to see exactly what you’re paying for. If anything seems out of place, question it with the billing department and even the doctor if need be.
To help more people deal with expensive medical bills, some healthcare centers offer repayment plans. While making monthly payments for an unexpected medical bill may not seem like an ideal solution, it’s often much more affordable than paying everything upfront.