Gina Roberts-GreyGina Roberts-Grey is an award-winning writer who has covered health and insurance topics for 2 decades.March 3, 2020, 2:30PM (PT)
Your recent trip to the doctor or hospital to treat a strep throat, ease your allergies, or mend a broken bone has resulted in a bill you can’t afford to pay. Now what? Before you stress out, take a breath.
The amount shown as your responsibility isn’t always the amount you’ll wind up paying. Whether you don’t have health insurance or the bill is for your portion of the service after health care insurance coverages were applied, you may be able to talk your way into paying less than the amount on that scary bill.
Do your homework
Successfully negotiating a lower medical bill requires you to do a little homework. Take these steps before you start talking.
Review the bill
No one is perfect — not even your healthcare provider! The billing department could have charged you for a test or service you didn’t receive. Look over the bill carefully to make sure every line you’re charged for relates to a service or form of care you received.
For example, your doctor may have wanted you to have a urinalysis, however, you didn’t make a pit stop in the bathroom and never filled the cup. When the doctor filled out the exam notes (which are sent to the billing department to charge you or your insurance) they may not have been told that you never had the expected test. That could result in you being charged for something you didn’t receive.
Review your coverages and policy
Make sure to familiarize yourself with your deductibles, copays, etc., so you’re certain of what your coverage says you’re responsible for. Your benefits may have changed or you may not realize what you are — and are not — responsible to pay.
Comparison shop
Research the average cost of the care you received using sites like Healthcare Bluebook. If your hospital, lab or other care provider is charging you more, you may be able to use this info as leverage when it’s time to start talking.Don’t miss out on savings!Get the best ways to save on your prescriptions delivered to your inbox. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx’s terms of service and privacy policy.
Speak up
Now you’re ready to start talking in the hopes of whittling down your medical bill. However, don’t call your doctor directly to discuss charges. You typically don’t negotiate a bill or charge with your doctor after the service has been performed.
Once you’ve walked out of the exam room, your doctor has little to do with the amount you’re charged. Instead, look on the bill or statement for the phone number, and possibly a physical address or email, of the billing department to direct questions about the bill. Once you’re ready to place the call, here are the steps to take to accomplish your goal.
Be polite, not pushy
Whether you’re outlining a billing error or asking for other financial assistance, keep your cool. You’re more likely to receive compassionate consideration if you’re polite and level-headed, rather than if you become angry or aggressive.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask if you qualify for any discounts. Possibilities could be a discount for paying cash, being a senior, any available charity care discounts, or bill reduction or forgiveness program. And be specific. Ask “What waiver or discount options do you offer?” to ensure the billing representative will provide all applicable information.
Be honest
Explain your situation. Let the billing representative know if the reason you’re unable to pay the full amount is that you’ve lost your job or had an unexpected health crisis. This will give the customer service representative you’re speaking with a better sense of why you deserve help.
Request a payment plan
Even if you can’t reduce the amount you owe, you may be able to pay less overall if you’re able to negotiate making payments without incurring monthly late fees or interest charges, or having the debt turned over for collection.
What not to do
No matter the size of the bill, the worst thing to do is to do nothing at all. Ignoring a medical bill you can’t afford will most likely lead to incurring additional debt in interest charges and collection fees. If could also send your credit score plunging, which could send credit card and loan interest rates soaring.
Source: https://www.goodrx.com/blog/how-to-negotiate-medical-bills/