People are talking: Speak up and take positive action!

The Voices for Affordable Health community is reacting strongly to our recent posts about surprise medical bills.

We shared a story about Paula D’Amore, a mom from Florida who recently gave birth to her third child. She was stunned to find out the hospital charged her $7,431.45 for the delivery room – even though she had given birth in the hospital parking lot!

Rose Lowell, also a mom, related to the story. She offered advice on our Facebook page: “Yep! This looks familiar! Always ask for a breakdown of the bill!”

We asked consumers to share their stories of surprise medical bills. Evelyn Findley told us her bills are so confusing she’s not sure whether there are overcharges or mistakes.

“The amount of paperwork, and the large charges make me wonder about mine,” said Evelyn posted. “But I cannot understand it all.”

Christine Baker shared her theory about billing errors: “Medical billers are overworked, under pressure, and often don’t know what procedure they are billing for. Guessing game.”

Another popular post by Voices for Affordable Health revealed giant increases in pharmaceutical drug costs at hospitals.

Hospital drug spending increased 23.4 percent annually from 2013-2015, according to a new report from the American Hospital Association and Federation of American Hospitals.

Dennis Dwyer expressed frustration with the high prices of drugs at hospitals.

He wrote on our Facebook page: “I buy Flexeril generic at 5 cents a pill with no coverage. The for-profit hospital charged like $12 for 1.”

Matt Owen is hopeful consumers can bring about change.

“We have to continue to speak up,” he posted on Voices for Affordable Health. “Take positive action!”

One way consumers can take action is by sharing stories about high prescription prices or surprise medical bills. You can speak out here or our on our Facebook page.