The Secret Way I Negotiate All My Medical Bills
YOUR MEDICAL BILL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Medical bills suck, there's no way around that.
But we can at least be prepared for when they annoyingly come in the mail.
You DMed me your most burning medical bill questions on IG … and I chose the most recurring ones to answer!
STEP #1
REVIEW YOUR BILLS AND DOCUMENTATION
Look over all the medical bills, insurance statements, and any other docs they gave you. Look for errors, duplicate charges, or services you didn't receive.
STEP #2
UNDERSTAND YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE
Be aware of your deductible, copayments, and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
STEP #3
RESEARCH FAIR PRICES
Before negotiating, research the average costs of the medical services or procedures you received. Websites like Healthcare Bluebook or Fair Health are your best friends.
STEP #4
CONTACT THE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
Reach out to the billing department or financial services department of the healthcare provider. Explain your situation, tell them you wanna pay, and inquire about any available options for negotiation.
STEP #5
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Clear evidence will strengthen your position during negotiations. This could include insurance statements, medical records, or receipts.
STEP #6
BE PREPARED TO NEGOTIATE
Be ready to discuss your financial situation, your ability to pay, and any hardships that may make the bill challenging to handle. Ask if they have any financial assistance programs or if they can offer a discount for prompt payment.
STEP #7
ALWAYS FOLLOW UP IN WRITING!!
After any phone conversations or negotiations, send a written follow-up summarizing the agreed-upon terms or any payment arrangements you discussed!
Remember, negotiation can vary depending on factors (i.e. their policies, your insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances surrounding your case) Be persistent, advocate for yourself, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed!!
GOOD NEWS — Healthcare providers typically do not report unpaid medical bills directly to credit bureaus.
BUT (& pay attention here) if the medical provider or a collections agency they work with decides to pursue collection efforts, the collections agency may report the debt to the credit bureaus. If an unpaid medical bill is reported to the credit bureaus, it can generally take around 6 months for the debt to show up on your credit report.
As a rule of thumb, always try to pay your bills on time. Even if you're in the process of negotiating or paying down the bill, always communicate with your provider so they don't come after you.
Everything is negotiable! You can negotiate non-hospital medical bills, including bills from urgent care centers, dentists, veterinarians, cosmetic procedures, and other healthcare providers. Just use the same steps from negotiation above 👆
Negotiating non-hospital medical bills is not guaranteed. BUT, it's always worth exploring your options and advocating for yourself to reduce those bills!!
