So you have health insurance and therefore you do not have to worry about going into debt on account of your medical bills... right? Wrong!

According to an August 29 CNN.com article, "A report out last month from the Commonwealth Fund found that 28 percent of the population said they were paying off medical debt in 2007, up from 21 percent in 2005. 'Two-thirds of the people who go into medical debt have insurance,' said Mark Rukavina, executive director of the Access Project. 'When medical debt hits, it hits very quickly. It's a jolt, and it's generally not very predictable.'"

It is extremely unfortunate and even shocking that 75 percent of those who have medical debt actually have insurance insurance. There are numerous actions that could be taken by the many "establishments" in the health care community to find a solution to the growing problem of medical debt. However, favorable health care and medical insurance reform from these entities may be several years or decades out. So what are some practical things the average American can do (regardless of coverage) to help reduce or prevent medical debt in the meantime?

Regardless of where you live, if you find yourself unable to pay your medical bills on time, then call immediately and try to work out something with your health care provider. For instance, I've found that many health care providers in the state where I live (Montana) are very willing to set up payment plans for you. Put yourself in their shoes. They would rather get some money than none. But if nothing is what they get, then turned over to a collections agency is where you will likely end up. When it comes to paying off medical debt via a payment plan, the rule of thumb is "sooner rather than later". Do not wait for the health care provider to set up a payment plan for you. Take the initiative and talk to them before it is too late. And of course if you get turned over to a collection agency, your credit score will be negatively affected. Be proactive. Call them, because the provider may call collections before they call you.

With its dominance across the state of Montana, I'm assuming that many reading this article may be covered under a Blue Cross Montana plan. If so, then there may be some other coverage options they offer. Otherwise, you might also consider talking to your health insurance agent or in whatever state you live to find out if there is another health insurance plan better suited to your financial situation.