Four tips for negotiating a better deal on medical bills

How to get the best deal on medical bills

In the maze of medical bills, it’s hard to know if costs are fair or even accurate. Here are four tips for making sure you are getting the best deal on medical bills from Liz Weston, a financial columnist for the Los Angeles Times:

1: Make sure the charges on your bill are accurate

Review your bills for errors, such as duplicate charges or fees for treatments you didn’t receive. You can enlist a medical billing advocate by contacting the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants and the Alliance of Claims Assistance Professionals for referrals.

2: Ask about charity programs

Many hospitals offer charitable programs. These programs aren’t just for low-income individuals. Weston reports that partial relief may be available for those earning up to 400 percent of the poverty level.

3: Ask about Medicare pricing

Weston recommends requesting to be charged the amount the provider would accept from Medicare or from the largest insurer on its network.

4: Ask about discounts and payment plans

Weston suggests asking for discounts if you are paying your bill all at once. If you can’t pay, request a payment plan with no interest. While you may be pushed to pay with a credit card, only do so if you can get a significant discount and pay the credit card bill quickly.

Find more helpful tips like this on Voices’ Resources page.

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