Call your insurance provider for an explanation of benefits (EOB). If you’re not confident with your communication skills, you can hire a professional advocate. Search for billing advocates in your local area. Use the following site if you’re having trouble: http://www. patientadvocate. org/.

Billing for a private room when you used a shared room. Charging for a higher level of service than you received. Overcharges in operating rooms (such as longer anesthesia times than you used). Being charged for a group of services under one code, and again for the same service under a different code.

Find the right advocate for your needs here: http://www. patientadvocate. org/. Patient advocate costs vary depending on the services you need, your location in relation to them, their experience and education, and the amount of time you work together. [3] X Research source Ask potential advocates questions like: What kind of training and experience do you have? How long have you been a private, independent advocate? Are you a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA)?[4] X Research source

A lack of insurance can sometimes lead to automatic bill reduction even if you have a high income. For example, if you make $100,000 a year, you can still qualify for aid if your bills are 50% of your salary. [6] X Research source If you have low income, you might qualify for more significant reductions.

It’s not unheard of to reduce your bill by 5, 10, or even 20% by paying the balance (or even a portion of it) up-front in cash.

Healthcare Bluebook is a great site that offers a free search tool for finding expected healthcare prices in your area. Visit it here: https://www. healthcarebluebook. com/. FAIR Health is another similar option. Visit it here: https://www. fairhealth. org/.

Try saying something like, “I’m looking for a reduction to help me pay for my medical bills using my limited resources. " You should also try: “Given the average bills of other local hospitals, I think a deduction is more than fair, especially considering my recent loss of employment. " You don’t have to be too aggressive—just do your research and don’t come across as naive.

Say something like “I’m trying to deal with my medical bills, but the stress of my ill spouse and work is making it difficult to focus. " Appealing to doctor egos can also work. Suggest that you chose the hospital because you heard of the top-quality care it offers.

Keeping your own records also helps medical professionals recognize that you’ve done your research. [11] X Research source

If you have insurance but it doesn’t cover enough, you could quality for assistance. This is most likely with lower incomes with higher bills.

Medical debt payment plans aren’t as clear-cut as loans or credit cards. While this can work in your favor, it can also put you in more debt if you don’t pay close attention to every detail. [13] X Research source Keep in mind that some of these plans may cost you more in the long run. Always read the fine print and, if you’re confused, hire a patient advocate.

Always ask your doctor about a reduction. There are usually options, but you typically have to ask to obtain them. Apply for bill reduction before asking for a repayment plan. If your bill is reduced, you can still apply for the repayment plan and, sometimes, you are eligible for both.

If someone gives you trouble or has never heard of the State Charities Fund, call your State representative and ask them for guidance. State representative contact information is listed here: https://www. house. gov/representatives.

Between 2005 and 2006, the average price for emergency visits was just $156. For emergency rooms, the same visit cost $570. [15] X Research source

Communicate with the billing department at your hospital of choice and determine whether their emergency room doctors are covered by your insurance plan. When emergency situations do arise, you can use the aforementioned information to choose the cheapest hospital based on what your coverage provides. Clarify how your plan defines “medically necessary ambulance rides. " This will typically include situations when you are unconscious, severely bleeding, or in extreme pain.

Compare bills and EOBs to ensure that you received all noted services. You also need to confirm that each provider that sent you the bills are outside of your plan. Always ask your insurer if they are flexible on paying your outside bills. You can also ask doctors if they are willing to negotiate or ask your insurer to do so on your behalf.

Use the Patient Advocate Foundation for guidance—they are free of charge. Visit them here: http://www. patientadvocate. org/. Enlist the help of professional claims consultants if you’re willing to pay a fee or part of the reimbursement.