No one can argue that health care costs are out of control. Health care reform is being discussed in Washington, but is there anything we can do now about the average $15,000 of medical costs per year per family in the US? Can you take matters into your own hands? A recent article on CBS Moneywatch.com presents some great ideas for taking charge of what you’re charged for health care. You don’t have to pay retail, they argue, if your insurance isn’t meeting your needs or you don’t have insurance. If you properly educate yourself and learn to negotiate, some experts argue you could reduce your medical bills by as much as 80%. So how do you do it?
1. Know the Real Cost – if you have insurance, start with your insurance carrier’s website – most companies let members see their negotiated rates. You can also use sites like Healthcare Blue Book, Vimo, and New Choice Health which provide information on how much local hospitals and doctors charge and how large a discount insurers would receive.
2. Use the Right Words – once you know how things should be priced, it is important to actually visit with the billing staff and be as open and honest as possible. Be clear, confident, and personal. Offer to pay immediately in cash if they agree to a discount.
3. Ask About Outpatient – some procedures may be doable in an outpatient setting rather than an expensive hospital stay. Don’t be afraid to ask if your procedure can be done outpatient.
4. Negotiate Afterwards – even if your bills have been piling up a while, it’s never too late to make an offer. Be aggressive – offer to pay a percentage you can afford right now if they will write off the rest. Often medical offices and hospitals are eager to get the charges off their books. Continue up the chain of command if you don’t get a decent offer to begin with, and document everything you hear in writing as you go.
5. Don’t Pay By Credit Card – if they already have your money, they are less likely to negotiate, and you’ll be stuck paying off your bills and paying the outrageous credit card fees.
6. Ask About Payment Plans – most will be willing to set up one without interest, and if you faithfully make payments for a while, you might be able to negotiate a write-off of the rest of your bill.
7. Call in a Pro – if all else fails, there are people you can turn to for help. Medical Billing Advocates of America has specialists who, for a percentage of the reduction they get you, can help you negotiate lower bills with your doctor. The Access Project offers free information and advice about negotiating, including one on one coaching.
As a medical billing service, we are always willing to work with patients who show good faith, who are honest about what they can and cannot do, and who are willing to work with us to come up with a solution. It is the patients who disappear and ignore their bills entirely that are the problem. There is lots of flexibility, so don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
