Negotiating Medical Bills

The birth of my daughter was a wonderful experience. The hospital stay went smoothly and we were discharged the next day with our sweet baby girl. Shortly thereafter we received hospital bill and were shocked by how much we owed after our insurance paid their 80%. A few thousand dollars due was not something we were able to swing right after shelling out big bucks preparing for our first child.

I have since learned ways to cut down the cost without sacrificing the quality of care.

Research First

While asking a doctor to lower their fees based on a quote you received from another doctor is not kosher, you can shop around. If you need surgery, for example, it might pay to have the procedure performed in the suburb of a big city, rather than downtown. Downtown real estate can cost big bucks and doctors have to pass some of this cost down to their patients.

Ask to be put on a Payment Plan

Sometimes medical care is unexpected and you can end up with a hefty bill afterward. Fortunately, many hospitals and doctors will set you up on a payment plan interest-free for six months to a year. Most hospital and doctor’s offices would rather be paid later than not at all. Even if you do have the money to pay up front, but are tight on cash, opt for this plan so you can keep the money in your pocket longer without paying a dime! This is the option that saved us from having to pay what we didn’t have.

Not Insured, Negotiate

Many health providers will offer you an alternative lower fee schedule if you are uninsured. The only catch to this is that you have to ask. They realize that you probably don’t have insurance for a reason, either you are unemployed or simply can’t afford it, and probably cannot afford to pay the same or more as someone supplemented by insurance might.

Be Respectful, but Firm!

Unlike most other business transactions, you are negotiating for your health. You do not want to hinder the doctor-patient relationship because of finances. Hospital’s and doctor’s fees might be outrageously expensive, but you need to consider the cost and time to save lives.

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