Many Americans face the stress of unexpected or unaffordable medical bills, and unfortunately, it's a common scenario. According to a study by Erin Duffy, Assistant Professor at USC Price School of Public Policy, many turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to help cover costs. However, there are other practical steps you can take to address medical debt that may save you time and money.
What to Do When You Get a Medical Bill You Can't Afford
Erin Duffy, who specializes in healthcare policy, shares key advice for those who find themselves struggling with medical costs. She suggests that one of the first steps is to contact the billing office directly. Many people don't realize how much flexibility healthcare providers can offer until they ask. According to Duffy's research, patients who reached out to resolve billing issues were often able to secure financial assistance, payment plans, discounts, or even cancellation of charges.
Key Statistics to Keep in Mind
A recent study revealed that 1 in 5 American households faced medical bills they couldn't afford or disagreed with in the past year. The most common sources of these bills include office visits, hospital stays, urgent care services, and imaging. If you've received one of these, it's worth taking the time to review and address it.
How to Resolve Errors or High Charges
If you believe there's an error on your bill, calling the billing office can often lead to corrections. Around 75% of patients who suspected errors found that their bills were corrected after reaching out. Additionally, negotiating charges can lead to a 60% chance of securing a lower price. If the bill is just too much to handle, the financial office may offer options like payment plans or financial aid based on your income.
What's Preventing People from Speaking Up?
According to the study, patients who have higher financial literacy or more education are more likely to advocate for themselves. However, many people hesitate to reach out, fearing it won't make a difference. In reality, those who did reach out were far more likely to find a resolution than those who stayed silent.
Steps to Take If You Can't Afford Your Bill
If paying the full amount isn't an option, start by explaining your situation to the billing office. Ask about financial assistance, discounts, and payment plans. Most hospitals offer these options, but you need to ask. Many patients find that even if they don't qualify for financial aid, they can still arrange for a manageable payment plan.
Can You Shop Around for Medical Procedures?
Yes, patients can "shop" for medical services ahead of time, just like they would for any other major purchase. A USC study found that patients often have to contact three different hospital departments—the financial aid office, billing office, and admissions office—to get a full understanding of their costs. By doing this, you can get a better idea of the financial flexibility available, including payment plans and discounts for early payments.
Emergency Services: Know Your Rights
If you're hit with an emergency medical bill, you have protections under the No Surprises Act (2022), which prevents you from being charged excessive out-of-network costs for emergency services. For instance, if you have to visit an out-of-network emergency room, you'll only have to pay the same amount as if you were seen in-network. However, these protections don't extend to ground ambulance services, where surprise bills can still be hefty.
What Policymakers Can Do to Help
While certain protections have already been established, policymakers can do more to help patients manage medical costs. Expanding access to insurance, improving price transparency, and reducing high deductibles are all key areas that can alleviate the burden of medical bills. Some local governments are even taking the step of buying back or forgiving medical debt, but there is still much work to be done at the national level.
Take Action Now
If you're dealing with high medical bills, start by reaching out to your provider's billing office. You may be surprised at the relief options available to you. And if you're planning a procedure, make sure to shop around for the best financial options ahead of time. Understanding your rights, especially when it comes to emergency medical services, can save you from “surprise” bills that can derail your financial plans.
If you're facing unexpected medical bills, No Surprise Bill is here to assist. They specialize in medical billing and reimbursements, helping you navigate the complexities of healthcare charges. With their expertise, they can help reduce the stress of handling medical debts by offering strategies to challenge inaccurate charges, negotiate lower prices, and secure financial assistance options.
No Surprise Bill understands that managing medical costs can be overwhelming, and they're committed to ensuring you don't have to bear the full financial burden alone. Don't wait—take action today and reach out to them to discuss how they can help you resolve medical billing issues, prevent surprise charges, and put your mind at ease.
