When Jennifer Vall's son was diagnosed with leukemia, and a year later she discovered she had thyroid cancer, the medical bills piled up rapidly. Despite having a strong credit score and no prior debt, Vall found herself owing thousands.
"I used my credit to survive because bills don't stop just because someone gets sick," says Vall, 37, a health-care training specialist in Minnesota. Juggling health treatments and debt repayment took a toll on her emotional well-being.
"Financial stress manifests physically—insomnia, migraines, and relationship issues," notes Ashley Agnew, a certified financial therapist.
After years of struggling, Vall turned to a debt management company to handle the remaining $21,000.
If you're facing medical debt, experts recommend these three steps:
1. Assess Your Situation
Start by knowing exactly how much you owe. "Look at what's accumulating interest and how far behind the debt is—30, 60, or 90 days," says Agnew. A clear picture helps you create a repayment plan, and you may seek help from organizations that set up payment plans.
2. Be Kind to Yourself
While her son was undergoing treatment, Vall bought him everything he wanted. Now that he's healthy, she regrets the spending—but also understands it: "At the time, it felt right." Agnew advises against self-blame. "You were doing your best under the circumstances."
3. Redefine Your Relationship with Money
As you work off debt, think about what you truly want from money—whether it's a concrete goal like buying a home or more intangible things like experiences with loved ones. "Sometimes fulfillment isn't a thing but an experience or feeling," Agnew says.