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Hospitals see more people seeking help with bills

The more food and fuel prices go up, the more patients at St. Vincent Healthcare ask for help to pay their medical bills.

People who used to have cushion in their household budgets to cover unexpected medical costs don't anymore, said Kay Wagner, the hospital's director of patient access.

"They have fewer dollars in the bank for emergencies," Wagner said. "People used to come in and say, 'I can pay this off in a year' or 'I can pay you $50 a month.' They can't do it anymore."

Patients who fill out paperwork seeking to have their bills reduced are asked to explain why they need the help. Many of them are blaming the cost of fuel and food, Wagner said.

Patients at Billings Clinic are also ...

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