The number-one trigger for personal bankruptcy in the United States is medical bills. That’s why a company by the name of Earnin wants to help people figure out how to pay for them. The company says it will negotiate medical bills with hospitals on behalf of its users, helping them to lower the overall price of the bill, set up a payment plan, or possibly have the debt forgiven.
The service, called HealthAid, is free–although Earnin does ask for donations. Earnin says to get access people will need to download its cash-advance mobile app and upload a photo of their outstanding medical bill. If you don’t have insurance (or owe money beyond what insurance will pay), the company will call the provider and try to lower your bill. With more Americans uninsured than ever, this service could be extremely important for the people who need it most.
