Treatment Center Hardship Letter

Treatment Center Hardship Letter

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Have you given up on the idea of ever attending a substance abuse treatment center because of the overwhelming cost? You’re not alone, but there is one secret that most people aren’t aware of. That secret is called a treatment center hardship letter. A hardship letter is one that’s written to the addiction center(s) you select. It asks for help in covering the costs associated with your treatment. Each treatment facility’s funds are limited to what they can provide, either out of their pocket or from state or federal grants.

The granting of hardship letter funds doesn’t guarantee you will receive inpatient or outpatient treatment, nor does it promise completely free treatment. Many times, it only covers a partial payment of your out-of-pocket costs after your insurance is billed. If you don’t have insurance, try sending a hardship letter to request a full or partial scholarship to the facility. It’s also worth noting that facilities don’t extend scholarships or discounts to offset your income if you must miss work. Nor will they help with your monthly household bills. You must come up with a plan to have those bill met while you’re in treatment or consider other options. The good news is that any financial help can get you one step closer to getting help for your addiction!

We’re going to discuss when and how you should write a hardship letter to an addiction treatment center. That is, if you feel it’s the best way forward based on your financial circumstances. We will also give you a template that you may use for this very purpose. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about overcoming any financial cost barriers to treating your addiction!

Why You Might Consider Writing a Treatment Center Hardship Letter

It may seem as though everyone should write a hardship letter to receive discounted or free treatment. However, some specific circumstances receive more positive results than others. These circumstances include, but aren’t limited to when the patient is homeless, has no family to turn to, or if there are children involved.

Additionally, young adults without health insurance may be eligible for reduced rates if their letter conveys a strong desire to get clean or sober. Just remember, it’s important that you’re honest and forthright because you probably only have one chance per treatment center for this letter to work!

Information Your Treatment Center Hardship Letter Should Contain

One of the hardest parts of writing a hardship letter will be setting your pride aside. You will have to be honest about your financial situation, as well as how you’ve gotten there. Not only will you need to talk about your finances, but you’ll also need to discuss your addiction, the negative effects it has on your life, and why you’re ready for help. This does not necessarily mean telling a sob story or trying to make the reader feel bad for you. It’s simply to inform the treatment center of the reasons why you believe you’re eligible for financial help.

What you are trying to do is convey that you’re willing and able to accept some difficult truths about yourself and your addiction. You may want to talk about some of your future goals after treatment, especially if it includes your children. Ultimately, if you you’re not truly ready to get clean and sober, the reader of your letter will likely sense this. You must be ready for a change and commit to doing whatever is necessary. This often means facing loved ones, confronting old hurts and mistakes, and being willing to take suggestions. Some of the best pieces of information to include in your letter are:

  • Your current living situation
  • Drug(s) of choice and how much you’re using
  • Whether or not you have children who are reliant on you as a parent
  • Any possible insurance coverage
  • Potential payments that you can afford
  • Why you need to get clean

Show the treatment team that you’re willing to do whatever is necessary to change your life and get clean!

Don’t Ask for a (Completely) Free Ride

While you may not have all the money you need to pay for your treatment, there are other ways that you might consider “paying.” You may wish to include in your hardship letter that you would like to work out a financial payment plan. This payment plan would be an amount you can afford monthly or weekly beginning during or after you graduate treatment.

Making this offer in your letter shows that you aren’t just looking for an “easy” financial out. Instead, you understand the gravity of your situation. Instead of repaying the treatment center financially, you may also ask if there is work that you can do. They may need help maintaining the grounds or the inside of the treatment center while you’re there. You can also promise to lend a hand upon the completion of your program.

Getting the Answer You Want

Writing a hardship letter doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll receive a full scholarship to a treatment center. You may have to send your letter to several facilities to obtain even one “yes.” One of the hardest parts about knowing who to send your letter to will be finding an addiction treatment center that will consider it.

While there are thousands of treatment centers in the United States, not all of them follow the same hardship help protocols. After you send your letter, you will need to follow up. In fact, for the best probability of positive results, you will need to be persistent. This will also demonstrate to the facility that you’re serious about recovery and are ready to pursue it!

Honesty, Openness, and Willingness

If you’ve been through treatment before, you’ve heard the phrase “honesty, openness, and willingness.” If you’ve never attended a treatment program or participated in support meetings, it is probably new to you. Either way, the first letter of these three words spell out HOW. Each word is practical when it comes to getting and staying clean or sober. You should apply this mantra when writing your hardship letter.

Demonstrate honesty about your addiction and the need for help. You must be open about where your life is and how it got there. Finally, you need to be willing to do whatever it takes to get sober, including owning up to your previous mistakes and confronting your past. If you need further direction, check out the sample treatment center hardship letter below, courtesy of Real Hope Recovery.

Writing An Insurance Cancellation Hardship Letter

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There are a lot of reasons as to why you may want to cancel your insurance policy. Often, it is because of getting a better rate, or you simply do not need the insurance anymore. However, sometimes, it is because of financial hardship.

Handle the Situation Carefully to Avoid Miscommunication

It is very important that you handle this situation properly. If you don’t, then it is likely that there will be some miscommunication and you may find yourself having to pay various charges. It is important, therefore, that you also write your letter at the right time. Check your insurance policy so that you know which cancellation rules are in place. Make sure that you meet those requirements and find out what you should do next.

In most cases, you won’t be able to ask for a hardship cancellation over the telephone. Rather, you will have to contact the company in writing, meeting whichever cancellation policies they have in place. Often, they have a form that you have to complete, which you may also be able to find on their website. Either way, they do generally look for similar things.

Common Requirements by Insurance Companies

One of those things is a clear reason why you want to cancel your policy. In cases of hardship, you need to make sure that you indicate exactly what has happened that has left you in such a situation. You also have to make it clear, in this case, that the situation is not due to their service, but rather that there have been events that were beyond your control.

What to Include in Your Hardship Letter

You also have to make sure that the insurance company can easily find you. Hence, you must include your name and address, as well as your policy number. You also have to make sure that you include details of the payments that you have already made. You want them to make a special exception for you, allowing you to end your contract before the date is due, and this means that you have to give them reasons to do so. For instance, you should tell them if you have always made your payments on time, or if you still have, and aim to keep, other types of insurance with the same company.

Difficulties That You May Encounter

In most cases, insurance policies can simply be canceled. However, there are situations in which that is not possible, particularly if you have taken out a contract with a fixed end date. One key difficulty that you may encounter here, is if you want your insurance company to provide you with a refund for any money that you have already paid towards your insurance policy for future months. You will have to give very clear reasons as to why you believe your insurance should not just be canceled, but also that you should get a refund. There are certain situations in which this would be accepted, for instance, if you have experienced a sudden loss of work, if there has been a death in the family, or if you have received substantial medical bills after an illness.

Insurance Cancellation Hardship Letter Example

{Name}
{Address}
{Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {representative}:

I am in the fight of my life against {disease}. It is a fight in which the odds are statistically against me. It is a fight that demands my singular focus. Bizarrely, I must simultaneously wage a battle for preservation of my medical insurance benefits.

Throughout my debilitating treatment, the clock has been ticking. During radiation, the letters came: my job will be held for {time period} but I will lose my health benefits in {time period}. In a post-chemo fog, I opened another letter stating that {time period} is fast-approaching and I must either return to work or file for COBRA benefits. I cannot return to work at this time. Not only can I barely walk across my living room on bad days, {disease} legally bars me from driving until six months have passed since {my last seizure}. COBRA payments far exceed what I am receiving in short-term disability benefits; in fact, the {amount} payment quoted is {double our mortgage}.

I remain optimistic about my survival. And I have great faith in my fellow humans: several kind-hearted coworkers have graciously donated sick leave hours to me. Still, I fall short of the {threshold} required by {time period}.

I cannot overstate my sense of outrage and fear at the injustice and irony of losing my health coverage due to a health crisis.

Please fix this.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Medical Insurance Appeal Letter

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Having healthcare insurance in place does not guarantee that every medical expense will be covered. Unfortunately, a lot of people find it surprising that even after paying their deductible, they are still left with some bills to pay because the insurance company has denied their claim. It is believed that 70% of claims that are denied were done in error, however, which is why it is so important that you look into this properly. If you are denied a claim, you need to appeal that decision. In fact, between 40% and 50% of all appeals are successful, so it is certainly worth trying it.

Before Writing a Medical Insurance Appeal Letter

The first thing you need to do is telephone the customer service department to find out why your claim was denied. It is possible that there is a simple error that can be resolved there and then. If not, then you do need to write an appeal letter, which has to follow the guidelines as stated in the policy. It is likely that you feel very angry and want to lash out at the claims adjuster. However, you should avoid that. Instead, try to maintain a professional and polite tone. Do not tell your insurance company to revise the decision, in other words. Instead, ask them if they could reconsider it.

Make sure that you truly understand your policy as well. There may be a time limit associated to when you can appeal a decision, so make sure to comply with that. Furthermore, you should find language in the policy that is on your side. Hence, make sure to highlight the elements of the policy that discuss appeals.

Content of the Appeal Letter

Make sure that your letter contains documented evidence supporting everything you say. For instance, you can include doctor’s notes and letters, radiology reports, medical records, and so on. Your letter should also include:

  1. Your name, policy number, identification details, and claim number
  2. The reason given for denying your claim, using their language
  3. A history of the medical condition and the treatments that were received
  4. Why you believe the denial was wrong, adding supporting information such as a doctor’s letter to confirm diagnosis
  5. All relevant dates, such as the date of the diagnosis, the date of treatment, and the date of the denial

Your letter should also explain what you would like the next steps to be. For instance, you may feel that the insurance company should compensate the bill in full. Do make sure that such is not done in a demanding tone, however.

Remember that you are writing a formal letter and it should be treated as such. It should not contain any grammar or spelling errors, and it has to be properly addressed. Ask someone to proofread it for you if possible. Also, keep photocopies of everything that you have sent, and send your letter via recorded mail. This gives you a paper trail to demonstrate that you have been proactive in resolving the situation. If you do not hear back from them after a week, make sure that you follow up.

Medical Insurance Appeal Letter Example

{Name}
{Address}
{Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {representative}:

I was shocked and dismayed to receive notice on {date} that {insurance company} denied payment for {procedure}. I’ve received a bill from {physician/medical center} for {amount}. I cannot pay this.

Before consenting to {procedure}, I contacted your company to ensure that the doctor and facility were in-network. In an abundance of caution, I also obtained the “code” for the procedure. Nevertheless, the denial letter states that {procedure} was not covered due to {reason}.

This is egregious and unacceptable. I did my due diligence and now the entire financial wellbeing of my family, not to mention future heath care for {condition}, is in jeopardy.

Please take all necessary steps to rectify this error. It is causing my family great stress at a time that we should be focused on recovery.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Medication Cost

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Medication is incredibly expensive. And while proper health care has become more accessible since the Affordable Care Act, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Furthermore, with the new Trump Administration, there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of what is and isn’t covered. If you have been prescribed medication, it is possible that you will be in a situation where you cannot afford it. This is particularly true if the medication is a treatment for an illness that leaves you unable to work. If you experience financial hardship, you have the opportunity to write a letter to the drug representative about this, explaining your situation.

Tips for Writing a Hardship Letter Medication Cost

This type of letter is a formal request, so it should be written accordingly. This means that you should address it to the right department and the right person. Your letter should also be dated. In the subject line, explain that the letter is a hardship letter, referencing the name of the drug.

Starting the Letter

Make sure that your letter is straight to the point. Begin by explaining what you want – a percentage discount or even a free supply of a certain drug. State that you have been taking this medication for a specific condition and that it has significantly improved your quality of life. Explain the condition that you have, and what the medication is for. Also explain what would happen should you no longer be able to take the medication. Do also make sure you include information about the dosage and how often you need to take it.

Content of the Hardship Letter

It is very common for people to have to write a hardship letter medication cost after the price of medication goes up. If this is the case with you, make sure to include the date when the cost increased and what the old and new prices are. Explain that the price as it stands is no longer affordable for you, and why. Make sure you include documented evidence of this through a financial statement indicating your income and expenses. Attach pay stubs, Social Security benefit payments, bills, and so on.

Do also explain that you have tried to budget for the medication. Perhaps you have given up on social affairs, you have canceled a television subscription, or other things. Explain that you are still able to pay a certain amount if you are, and indicate that amount. However, be honest with that. It is better to offer nothing than to offer something that you cannot afford. You may also request, particularly if you do offer to pay something, for the price of the medication to no longer go up for you.

Ending the Letter

End the letter by thanking the manufacturer or supplier for their consideration. Keep the letter short and concise. Ideally, it should fit on a single page. Make sure to include photocopies of all your evidence, and that you take a copy of the letter for your own records as well. Lastly, send it through registered post.

Hardship Letter Medication Cost Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {Drug Representative}:

I am writing to request a discount of {percentage} on {medication}.

For the last {amount of time} I have been on {medication}, which I require for {condition}. This is a life-threatening condition, and if I do not take this medication every {frequency}, {consequence} will occur.

As you know, {medication} increased in price from {price} to {price} over the course of {amount of time}. This price is one that I can no longer afford, as you can see from the {pay stubs, bank receipts} that I have attached to this letter.

I am still capable of paying {price} per {amount}, and I would like to ask that that price remain what I am charged.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me at {contact information}.

Thank you,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter To Doctor

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Health care is indeed expensive and doctors are often busy. In many cases, only those with significant funds and some sort of private health insurance are able to get the treatment that they need, when they need it. If you are in financial hardship, then it is likely that you will find it particularly difficult to obtain the medical care that you require. If this is the case for you, and you have been denied an early appointment with a specialist, you may consider writing a letter to have that decision reconsidered.

Basic Guidelines for Writing a Hardship Letter to Doctor

Hardship letters are usually quite formal pieces of writing. When writing to a doctor, however, it is often better to become somewhat more personal. That being said, you should still make sure that your letter is properly presented and addressed, that it is dated, and that it includes all the important information that the doctor may need.

Starting the Letter

You should start by explaining that you had requested an appointment, but that you have not been granted one before a specific date. Make sure to include the date on which you requested an appointment, the date on which you received a decision, and the date on which the appointment is offered.

Content of the Hardship Letter

Next, explain why it is important for you to see that specific doctor. He or she may, for instance, be the only specialist in a certain field within a certain geographical area. Explain that you are aware of this because you have already seen other physicians but the treatment you received were not successful for you. State that you feel that the said doctor would be the one to be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, or who would be able to provide appropriate treatment. Flattery can help here, although you do have to make sure that you don’t lay it on too thick at the same time.

Explain that your condition is life limiting, and that, should you have to wait for an appointment, it may get much worse. Do not be afraid to explain that you feel desperate and that your hopes are pinned on this particular doctor. If such is the case, emphasize that your illness has also prevented you from being productive, and that waiting for such a long period of time will make it impossible for you to continue to pay all your bills as well.

Ending the Letter

Do also state what you would be willing to offer the physician in return. Your case may be particularly interesting, for instance, and you may be willing to let your details to be shared with medical students. Physicians are always interested in unique cases, after all.

Finally, make sure that you send the letter via registered mail, and indicate that you will follow up by a certain date over the telephone to confirm not just receipt, but also whether you can indeed have an earlier appointment with the doctor. Do also include any evidence you have to support the things you have stated before.

Hardship Letter To Doctor Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {Doctor}:

On {date}, I was informed by your staff that you have no openings over the next {amount of time} and that you can’t schedule an appointment with me until {date} at the earliest. I am writing to beg you to reconsider.

I know that you are the only medical doctor focusing on {field} in a {number}-mile radius. I know this because I have been to every general physician in the area, and it is my sincere belief that you are the only person who can help treat me, or even tell me what, precisely, is wrong with me. I’m not an impatient person, but I’m afraid that if I have to wait {amount of time}, my condition will have worsened to the point of severe illness or even death. I admit that I’m afraid and even desperate at this point to get answers that will help me.

If there’s one thing I can offer you, it’s the guarantee that you will find my case unique and medically relevant to your research into {field}. {Brief medical history}. I have been to {list of other doctors/clinics} and no one can help me. I am happy to come in at any time you can fit me into your schedule, and I will try not to take up too much of your time.

I will call your office again next week. I’m so sorry to be an inconvenience, but I hope that we can find a time to meet very soon.

Thank you,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter For Medical Benefit Extension

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When you sign up to a health plan, it will have certain limitations on the types of treatment you can have, how often you can have treatment, and where you can go for that treatment. The result is that sometimes, you may either have to forego on the treatment or pay for it yourself. Both of these situations can cause undue hardship, which can possibly be avoided if you write to your health care insurance company to request for a medical benefit extension.

Tips on Writing a Hardship Letter for Medical Benefit Extension

You must at all times remember that this letter is a formal letter in which you are asking for help. This means that it has to be presented in the right format, be short and to the point, addressed to the right person, and free from grammar and spelling mistakes. The most important thing, however, is that it presents the insurance company with facts. They do not want to hear your life story or how emotionally affected you have been by the lack of therapy or your illness.

Starting the Letter

Start by indicating that you wish to request for a medical benefit extension under your existing health plan. Provide the name of your plan and your policy number. Explain what your plan currently allows in terms of therapy for a certain condition, and ask that an exception be made for you. Specifically, you need to ask for an extension.

Content of the Hardship Letter

State that something has occurred with regards to your medical condition, including the date. This could be an accident, major surgery, or a sudden illness, for instance. Explain how this situation has affected you on a practical basis, particularly if this also has had an impact on your finances. Again, make sure that you include documented evidence to support your statements.

Indicate the name and contact details of your physician and then state that he or she has recommended that you undergo a number of treatment sessions as a form of rehabilitation. If at all possible, you should ask for a letter from your doctor in which it is explained that the proposed therapy could have significant positive benefits for your condition.

Explain that your current health plan does not cover the number of sessions recommended by your physician. State that this means you would have to pay a certain amount towards the treatment yourself. Include copies of income stubs, bank statements, and other bills to further support the fact that you are unable to pay for this treatment out of pocket. Explain that, should you not be able to access the treatment, you will also be unable to work and that this will eventually lead to you needing to file for bankruptcy. Emphasize that this could be avoided if you be granted a medical benefit extension. But do be careful with this. You should not come across as feeling entitled for an extension, nor should you express any anger against your insurance company.

Hardship Letter For Medical Benefit Extension Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {Insurance Representative}:

I am writing with regards to the benefits offered by my health plan, {plan and policy number}. My health plan currently only allows {maximum number} therapy sessions for {condition}, and I would like to request an extension of these benefits.

On {date}, I had {an accident/major surgery/injury}. The result was that {I can no longer work/I’m unable to move/I have to walk with a cane, etc.}. Aside from these restrictions, I also {list of debilitating or painful symptoms}. My doctor has recommended {number} {therapy type} sessions to rehabilitate and heal. It is {his/her} professional opinion that with this therapy, I could {positive projected result}. Enclosed is {his/her} statement.

Unfortunately, my health plan only covers {number} therapy sessions, meaning that I will be forced to pay {amount} out of pocket. Enclosed are my bank statements and income stubs to prove that I will be unable to meet these expenses, and therefore unable to continue therapy. If that is the case, I will be forced to {file for bankruptcy, go on disability, quit my job, etc.}. I am trying to avoid such extreme circumstances, and as such I am requesting an extension of my benefits to {benefits required}.

I hope that we can reach an agreement, as this therapy is medically necessary for me to continue as a functioning member of society. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter For When Insurance Denied Coverage

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There are various reasons as to why an insurance company may deny coverage. Whatever those reasons are, however, the impact can be significant for an individual. This denial often becomes a cause for new hardship, particularly in cases of medical bills. There usually is no opportunity to decide whether or not to have treatment before speaking to an insurance company, which means you could be left with significant bills to pay. If this is the case, you may want to consider writing a hardship letter to appeal the decision.

Basics of Writing a Hardship Letter for When Insurance Denied Coverage

This type of letter is a formal letter and should be treated as such. It should be properly formatted, therefore, and addressed to the right person in the right department. Contact the insurance company to determine to whom you should write to if you’re not sure. The letter should be short and to the point, preferably fitting on a single page. It should also be proofread, so that it does not contain any grammatical or spelling errors.

Starting the Letter

Your first paragraph should explain what has happened. For instance, you may have had an operation. Indicate the date when this occurred and why it was needed. You should then specify when you were told and by whom that your request for insurance coverage was declined. You should, at the point, have been given a reason, which usually is that the company does not feel the treatment was “medically necessary”. Whatever the reason that was given to you, include that in the letter as well.

Content of the Hardship Letter

You should then explain that you wish for the case to be reconsidered and why. For instance, you may have been in hardship which stopped you from seeking medical treatment in any other way. Alternatively, you may have additional evidence that demonstrates that the treatment was necessary, in which case you should also explain what the consequences would have been should you not have accessed the treatment. It is also possible that the denial of coverage now causes you financial hardship. Whatever it is, you must provide documented evidence and facts for all your statements.

There is one exception to this matter. If you feel the decision is completely wrong, then you can appeal it. However, that is different from writing a hardship letter, which essentially states that the decision made by the company is correct, but you would like them to make an exception in your particular case. If you want to appeal a decision, you are likely to have to follow different policies and procedures. Your insurance company should be able to provide you with details on what those steps are and how to get the ball rolling.

Ending the Letter

End your letter by respectfully requesting that the insurance company reevaluate your case. Unfortunately, the insurance company has no obligation to actually do so. Hence, you do have to make sure that you write your letter in a respectful manner and one that does not accuse the insurance company of anything.

Hardship Letter For When Insurance Denied Coverage Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Your Account #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

On {date}, I required {brief but specific description of medical transportation, operation, etc.} due to {medical emergency}. I was notified on {date} from {insurance company representative} that my request to have {percentage} of the cost covered by my insurance was denied because the {operation/transportation/etc.} was not medically necessary.

I request reconsideration in this case. Due to {hardship}, I was unable to seek out {medical alternative}. This {action} was my only option and therefore was completely medically necessary. If I had not sought out this action, I would have {medical consequence}.

In light of these circumstances, I respectfully ask for a reevaluation of my case. I have attached {a doctor’s note, medical records, financial stubs, etc.} to substantiate my claim. Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter To Insurance For Elective Surgery

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All health insurance policies are clear on which types of surgery are covered and which are not. Those things that are classified as “elective surgery”, which means that they are optional rather than being life saving, are almost never covered by insurance companies. However, that does not mean that you might not be able to convince your insurance company to reconsider. This is particularly true if you believe that not having the surgery will cause significant financial hardship.

Guidelines for Writing a Hardship Letter to Insurance for Elective Surgery

This letter must be a formal one that is written in a professional style. It should be dated and addressed to the correct person. The subject line should indicate the reason for writing, and it should also show your policy number. The letter should also include other identifying information from yourself.

Starting the Letter

Your first paragraph should outline that you would like to request some leniency with regards to the policy. Specifically, you are requesting a modification of how the insurance company views the operation that you want to undergo. Explain that it is classed as “elective” according to their policies and procedures. However, you feel that the said operation is not elective but rather a necessity. For instance, if you do not have the surgery, you will be left unable to properly look after your family, have a significantly reduced quality of life, and/or become too sick to continue with your work.

Content of the Hardship Letter

Go on to explain that you understand why this particular procedure is usually classed as elective, stating that most people have it for non-medical reasons. State that your situation is different, however, because you have been suffering from a certain illness or condition for a certain amount of time (include the dates), and that you have tried all other types of available treatment (list them and when you had them). Explain that you believe that this particular operation will be your last chance at living a normal, comfortable life. State that you know the surgery is not guaranteed to be successful, but that not having the procedure will guarantee that you will have a poor quality of life.

These situations are highly emotive in nature. You are likely to feel quite desperate and to see the procedure as a last resort. Yet, it is vital that you remain factual at all times and don’t delve into feelings. It is far more poignant to have a statement from a physician who says that the surgery will greatly improve your quality of life, than for you to tell them that you feel depressed and worthless because of your condition.

Ending the Letter

Make sure that you can provide evidence for anything that you state in your letter. Include hospital appointment cards, medical notes, and doctors’ statements, for instance. Do also provide proof of the surgery having been successfully with other people in the same situation as you, even if that is abroad. Finally, make sure that you have appropriate costings for the procedures included in your letter as well.

Hardship Letter To Insurance For Elective Surgery Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to request leniency concerning my insurance policy’s approach to {medical operation}. It is listed as an “elective surgery” and therefore not permissible for coverage according to my current policy. However, if I do not get this operation, I will be {too sick to work/in horrible pain/disabled/unable to care for my family, etc.}

{Medical operation} is considered an elective surgery most of the time because it is mostly used for {reason}. I have been sick for {amount of time} with {illness/injury} and I have already tried {alternative one} and {alternative two}. {Medical operation} is my last chance at {recovery option}. Although it is not a guarantee of success, it has a higher chance of helping my condition than anything else available to me. If it is not covered by my insurance, then {brief description of repercussions}.

I am attaching a doctor’s note outlining my situation and the important nature of this surgery in my particular case. Thank you for your consideration and understanding.

Thank you,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Financial Hardship Letter Due To Medical Bills

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Medical bills tend to be substantial bills and if you incur a sudden expensive illness or a major accident, they can mount up very quickly. You may need multiple, lengthy treatments and your insurance may not cover all of those expenses. A lot of people don’t realize that credit card debt and medical debt are quite similar. Namely, they are both unsecured, which means they can both be negotiated. One way to get the ball rolling, is by writing a hardship letter.

Tips for Writing a Financial Hardship Letter Due to Medical Bills

The healthcare industry is very inflexible in terms of collecting on medical bills. However, this does not mean that you have to pay more than you can, nor do you have to take out a loan. Doing so will only make your situation worse.

First of all, therefore, you should determine whether the debt is actually correct. It is quite possible that there has been an error in your medical bill, particularly when you consider that studies have shown that up to 80% of them do indeed have some sort of error. Hence, make sure to look over the bill and ask a trusted person to do the same. You can find online help on how to read your bill as well.

Once you have determined the amount you actually owe, you need to negotiate with the medical institution to see if a repayment plan can be created. You should not have to put yourself in greater financial difficulty just to pay for your bill. This is because, if you do this, you may not be able to receive Medicaid later on in life. What you need to do is immediately tell the creditor that you cannot pay. Debt used to be referred to collection agencies after 150 days, but this is now usually between 60 and 90 days, so make sure you do things quickly. Consider that collection agencies may sue you for as little as $100, and you will see how important it is to take action now.

Make sure you keep documented evidence of everything that you do. Hence, do not speak to the medical provider – or a debt collection agency – over the telephone, but do everything in writing. You should also make payments each month on the bill that you can afford, even if an agreement has not yet been reached. This shows willingness on your part.

Some important tips for your hardship letter:

  1. Keep the letter short and to the point. Try to stick to a single page.
  2. Include a financial statement that shows your income and expenses.
  3. Always be polite and courteous. After all, you are asking for help.
  4. Explain that you are in hardship and why, and how that is linked to the medical condition in question.
  5. Offer a repayment plan that you can afford, stating when you will make the payment, how, and for how long.
  6. Address it to an actual individual, which gives it a personal touch.

If your repayment offer is accepted, make sure that you receive a confirmation for that in writing.

Financial Hardship Letter Due To Medical Bills Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone Number}

{Hospital/Clinic/Doctor Name}
{Address}
{Phone Number}
ATTN: {contact person}

{Date}

RE: {consolidation/restructuring/forgiveness} of debt on medical bills for {Name}, account {number}

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is {Name}, and I was a patient at {hospital/clinic/doctor’s office} on {date}, where I received {a specific procedure, treatment, etc.}. {Indicate what your insurance covered of this procedure, or note that you did not have insurance at the time}.

I have been on a payment plan that has me paying {amount in dollars} per month. But I have unfortunately run into significant troubles in my life, which have made it impossible for me to continue to keep up with this payment plan. Due to {death in the family, loss of a job, other medical problems, etc.}, I am dealing with making constant decisions about which of my many bills is most important each month.

I have attached {relevant financial documents} to this letter, so that you can see that my monthly income is only {amount in dollars}, all of which must go to {mortgage, rent, other payments}, leaving very little left for the amount I owe you.

{Indicate how much you can pay each month, or indicate that you would like to have your debt forgiven due to this hardship} . I hope that we can work out a plan that will work for both parties.

Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can begin this process.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter To Hospital

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If you needed to have medical treatment in a hospital, then you may be faced with a substantial bill. Even if you have a good health insurance, it is possible that they don’t cover the bill in full. Indeed, this is how many people end up in significant debt. If that has happened to you, you should not automatically look at selling your possessions or taking out a loan to pay for your medical bill. Rather, you should consider writing to the hospital to ask for some leniency.

Guidelines for Writing a Hardship Letter to Hospital

Your letter should be written formally. This means that you address it to the right department and preferably to the actual person who will be dealing with your case. The letter should also be dated, and it should be free from grammatical and spelling errors. You should also make sure that it includes your account or hospital number, and other identifying information about yourself.

Starting the Letter

Start your letter by explaining what you are asking for. This may be debt forgiveness, restructuring, or consolidation. Go on to explain which medical facility you attended, which procedure or treatment you received, and why it was necessary. State that your insurance company agreed to cover a certain amount of that bill (indicate how much), leaving a certain balance. Again, indicate how much. If you did not have insurance at all at the time, make sure to indicate that as well.

Content of the Hardship Letter

You should then offer your suggestion. If you wish to have the debt forgiven in full, explain why you feel this to be necessary. Most of the time, however, you will ask for some sort of payment plan to be considered instead. Hence, offer a certain amount each month, stating when and how you will pay this. Make sure that you can actually afford this amount, as you should never make promises that you can’t keep.

It is likely that you had already been paying a certain amount, but you now find yourself in a situation in which you can no longer afford this. If that is the case, you must indicate what hardship you are currently experiencing. It is important to be factual here. The hospital is not interested in a sob story or in an emotional account. Rather, they want to know why the payment for the bill will not be received at the specified date.

You must offer evidence for everything that you state. Hence, include copies of your medical bills and your previous agreement. Include statements of the payments that you have already made, and provide documented evidence of your current income and expenses, such as a financial statement. Demonstrate what changes you have already made to increase your income or decrease your expenses and why this has not been enough to make the situation better.

Most of the time, hospitals have programs in place for people in your situation. If you know what these programs are, apply for them using the relevant forms if there are any. If not, ask whether you could apply under any of their hardship programs.

Hardship Letter To Hospital Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone Number}

{Hospital Name}
{Address}
{Phone Number}
ATTN: {contact person}

{Date}

RE: {consolidation/restructuring/forgiveness} of debt on medical bills for {Name}, account {number}

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is {Name}, and I was a patient at {hospital name} on {date}, where I received{a specific procedure, treatment, etc.}. My insurance covered {amount in dollars}, which left a balance of{amount in dollars} for me to deal with myself. { Or note that you did not have insurance at the time of this incident}.

I worked out a payment plan of {amount in dollars} per month, which I have been paying since {date}. However, due to {death in the family, loss of a job, other medical problems, etc.; be specific and emotional}, I am struggling greatly with making ends meet every month.

I have attached {relevant financial documents} to this letter, so that you can see that my monthly income is only {amount in dollars}, all of which must go to {mortgage, rent, other payments}, leaving very little left for the amount I owe you.

I am now only able to pay {amount in dollars} every month {or indicate that you would like to have your debt forgiven due to this hardship}. I know that the hospital has programs in place for situations like mine, and I hope that we can work out a plan that will satisfy both of us.

Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can begin this process.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}