How to avoid crushing medical bills Boston 25 News [Video]

BOSTON — More than 50% of all debt sitting with third-party collection agencies is medical debt. Boston 25 News consumer adviser Clark Howard says in many cases that debt could have been forgiven by the provider.

It’s because of something you may not know about it’s called charity care. It’s required by law of non-profit hospitals and many are likely to qualify if you need it.

Rene Coker qualified. Her breast cancer diagnosis is more than a physical burden, like millions of others, it’s also a financial burden. The single mother of a young adult son works for an answering service.

Even after insurance, Rene faces tens of thousands in medical bills. Rene says her stepmother, Katie became her advocate for financial assistance.

“She was just amazing in starting the ball rolling because i just couldn’t think about finances,” Rene said.

After speaking with one provider, Katie was shocked to learn just …