Scene: Olga received a $2,400 hospital bill she can’t afford. She’s calling the billing department to ask about her options. Karen answers.
KAREN: Hello, billing department. This is Karen. How may I help you?
OLGA: Hi, Karen. My name is Olga Petrova. I received a bill for $2,400 from my emergency room visit, and I can’t afford to pay it all at once.
KAREN: I understand, Ms. Petrova. Many patients feel the same way. Let me look up your account.
OLGA: Thank you. The account number is 4-0-8-1-5-2.
KAREN: I found it. The total is $2,400 for the ER visit on September 3rd. First, let me ask — do you have health insurance?
OLGA: No, I don’t. I’m self-employed, and insurance is too expensive for me.
KAREN: Okay. Did you know we offer a self-pay discount? Uninsured patients automatically get 30% off.
OLGA: Really? Nobody told me that. So the bill isn’t actually $2,400?
KAREN: Correct. With the discount, your balance is $1,680. I’ve just applied it to your account.
OLGA: That’s much better, but $1,680 is still a lot for me. Can I pay in installments?
KAREN: Absolutely. We offer interest-free payment plans. How much could you comfortably pay each month?
OLGA: Maybe $100 a month? Would that be acceptable?
KAREN: That works. At $100 a month, you’d be paid off in about 17 months, with zero interest.
OLGA: Zero interest — that’s wonderful. Is there any fee to set up the plan?
KAREN: No fees at all. I can set it up right now over the phone.
OLGA: Please do. One question — will this affect my credit score?
KAREN: As long as you make your payments on time, we won’t report anything negative. The key is to stay current.
OLGA: I will. Can I pay by automatic withdrawal from my bank account?
KAREN: Yes, and I recommend it — you’ll never miss a payment. I just need your routing and account numbers.
OLGA: Let me get my checkbook… Okay, I’m ready.
Olga reads the numbers, and Karen sets up the payment plan.
KAREN: You’re all set, Ms. Petrova. Your first payment of $100 will come out on the 15th.
OLGA: Thank you, Karen. I was so stressed about this bill, and now I feel like I can breathe again.
KAREN: I’m glad I could help. Remember — always call us before a bill becomes a crisis.
— THE END —