Pay doctor bill off or put in savings

**Palooka** · 02-13-2010, 11:30 PM

The doctor bill is a little under 340.00. Of course no interest but I'm also trying to build the savings.

I have the money to pay them off now and I'm of the mindset that less bills to worry about feels like an accomplishment.

I can keep paying the small amounts until paid for, but if I put that extra money in the bank it would be very close to my EF goal.

Okay what would you do?

**frugalwarrior2** · 02-13-2010, 11:35 PM

Previously the medical. In this economy-the savings. W/ the Caveat that that money is marked. The only way I change my mind is if the billing is ongoing like for a chronic condition and will be ongoing. Then I would be afraid to get behind. Be sure they don't go to collection or have interest accrue after say 120 days.

**NikoSan999** · 02-13-2010, 11:37 PM

Split it? I think that is what I would do. That would leave only $170 on the bill AND put money in the EF. Best of both worlds.

Just me. They aren't beating your door down and not charging any interest. Half is a good chunk.

**Palooka** · 02-13-2010, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by frugalwarrior2

Previously the medical. In this economy-the savings. W/ the Caveat that that money is marked. The only way I change my mind is if the billing is ongoing like for a chronic condition and will be ongoing. Then I would be afraid to get behind. Be sure they don't go to collection or have interest accrue after say 120 days.

No the billing isn't on going and I pay them every month.(it's the last I owe on an ER bill) They are cool about it.

Originally Posted by NikoSan999

Split it? I think that is what I would do. That would leave only $170 on the bill AND put money in the EF. Best of both worlds.

Just me. They aren't beating your door down and not charging any interest. Half is a good chunk.

Yeah, I was thinking about spliting it too.

I want them paid off but also want the money in savings too. Now.

**dcompton** · 02-13-2010, 11:50 PM

Hmmm. I always really want bills gone to, if only so I don't have to think about them anymore.

On the other hand, it's close to your EF goal, and it will feel great to reach that. I think I would put it in the EF, and as soon as that's done, wipe out the ER bill. Still, there have been times when I have paid off no interest things over savings, because it felt so good.

No answer. Better luck with someone else!

**Contrary Housewife** · 02-13-2010, 11:51 PM

If I had the money I'd pay it off. If I was worried about the money situation for the month I'd pay half and bank half. And when finances stabilized, pay it off entirely.

**MomsaBasketCase** · 02-14-2010, 12:02 AM

I would split it as well. It's a boost to your EF in case something should happen (heavens forbid) but also a good chunk out of your bill.

I do have another suggestion since you said that you do have the money to pay the bill...Call the billing department, or go down there in person and negotiate your bill. Ask them if they will reduce your amount owing by $100 if you pay them the balance in cash. Not comfortable with $100? Make it $75.

I have many friends who have negotiated hospital payments with success. All they can say is no and then you continue making regular payments.

**Palooka** · 02-14-2010, 12:06 AM

It's really just part of the extra money I use for my car payment but that is paid for now.

I was thinking pretend I have one more month on the car and send it to the doctor instead.

But for me I know it's hard to stick over 300 in the EF at once.

Oh the decisions....

**Palooka** · 02-14-2010, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by MomsaBasketCase

I would split it as well. It's a boost to your EF in case something should happen (heavens forbid) but also a good chunk out of your bill.

I do have another suggestion since you said that you do have the money to pay the bill...Call the billing department, or go down there in person and negotiate your bill. Ask them if they will reduce your amount owing by $100 if you pay them the balance in cash. Not comfortable with $100? Make it $75.

I have many friends who have negotiated hospital payments with success. All they can say is no and then you continue making regular payments.

Thank you for the reminder! That's not a bad idea to try. Maybe I will give them a call and ask.

**mauimagic** · 02-14-2010, 12:40 AM

It certainly wouldn't hurt to ask. If not, I'd pay split the $340 between the bill payment and your EF. Please let us know what happens?

**frugalfranny** · 02-14-2010, 12:52 AM

Sounds like mentally, for you, it would be better to pay at least half..........like the others said. You want the bill gone.

BUT........if they aren't charging interest --find out when they do -or read the find print......I would wait. You can earn int. on the $ in the bank. Can't imagine a Dr. that won't charge int. at some point in time.........often 120 days. I have seen some at 60.

**Palooka** · 02-14-2010, 01:29 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

Sounds like mentally, for you, it would be better to pay at least half..........like the others said. You want the bill gone.

BUT........if they aren't charging interest --find out when they do -or read the find print......I would wait. You can earn int. on the $ in the bank. Can't imagine a Dr. that won't charge int. at some point in time.........often 120 days. I have seen some at 60.

The only doctor here that I have experienced that has charged interest was my dentist on monthly payments. *grumble*

The bill is past 120 days so I'm safe there. I've never heard of the ER doing that as long as you keep up with payments though.

They can be arses sometimes too and turn you into collections for not paying in full after they collected from insurance, but not interest. I figured I'm in the clear so far. If they attempted any of that I would pay them off.

But yes it's mental. lol

**2ndGenGranola** · 02-14-2010, 07:30 AM

I would pay off the Dr. bill.

Guard against thinking of the EF as some magical fund that keeps you safe in everything. Next month something could come up that would zap the EF and you still have the Dr. bill.