Facing medical bills can feel overwhelming, but there are practical steps you can take to lower your balance and make payments more manageable. With a little effort and persistence, you can advocate for yourself and reduce the financial strain. Below are some helpful and actionable tips:

1. Check for Errors and Request Itemization

Medical bills often contain mistakes, so your first step should be to carefully review the charges.

• Request a Superbill: Ask for an itemized bill, also known as a Superbill, which includes CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes. This level of detail will allow you to understand each charge clearly.
• Spot Mistakes: Look for duplicate charges, services you didn’t receive, canceled procedures, or incorrect medication amounts. Even small errors can add up, so don’t hesitate to dispute inaccuracies.
• Dispute Errors to Buy Time: Disputing mistakes halts the collections process while the bill is under review. Use this extra time to reassess your situation and plan next steps.

2. Negotiate the Price

If you discover that your bill is higher than expected or unaffordable, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the billing department. Many medical facilities are willing to work with patients to settle balances.

• Ask for the Cash Rate: If you don’t have insurance, inquire about an uninsured or cash-pay discount. These rates are typically much lower than standard charges.
• Offer a Lump-Sum Settlement: If you have savings available, offer to pay a portion of the bill upfront (e.g., $300-$400 on a $1,000 bill) in exchange for reducing the overall balance. Just be certain all agreements on payments are  IN WRITING.
• Use Negotiation Services: If handling negotiations feels daunting, consider hiring a professional medical bill advocate or utilizing services like Goodbill. These professionals can review your charges and help you appeal for reductions.

I personally can highly recommend private medical billing advocate Nicole Broadhurst with Greater National Advocates. You can get to know her and the work she does in these previous podcast episodes I hosted:

Nicole Broadhurst Interview – Advocating For Patient Financial Safety

3. Apply for Charity Care or Financial Assistance

Hospitals, especially non-profit ones, often have assistance programs designed to help patients with limited incomes.

• Nonprofit Requirements: By law, non-profit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance or “charity care” to patients who qualify based on their income.
• Apply Promptly: You usually have up to 240 days from your first bill to apply for financial aid, but check with your hospital’s financial department for specific deadlines and procedures.

4. Arrange an Affordable Payment Plan

If paying your bill in full isn’t possible, setting up a payment plan can help you avoid financial stress while keeping your account in good standing.

• Request 0% Interest: Many medical providers offer interest-free, in-house payment plans if you commit to regular monthly payments.
• Pay What You Can: Negotiate a payment amount that fits comfortably within your budget to ensure you can stick to it without defaulting.

Here is a great video that discusses these steps in detail, again with financial coach Ramit Sethi:

Additional Resource:

If you’ve never heard of Marshall Allen, get familiar with his work: https://marshallallen.substack.com/about

Marshall Allen has unfortunately passed on, but before he left us, he wrote extensively about navigating the complexities of medical billing. He has a book and a valuable website full of resources.

Get Support For Your Hidden Money Challenge Journey!

Taking the time to thoroughly review your bill, negotiate with the provider, and seek financial assistance could significantly reduce the amount you owe. Remember, you’re not alone—not only are there tools and resources to help you successfully manage medical bills and regain control of your finances, but you have your own Personal Health and Wellness Coach to guide you through the process!

Sign up for the Hidden Money Challenge here > https://hopehealth.myflodesk.com/hiddenmoney 

You can schedule a FREE 20-minute consult with Tara Adams, Health and Wellness Coach here > https://calendly.com/hope-tara