Whether insured or not, emergency fund or not, medical bills can quickly ruin anyone, often forcing a choice between medical care and basic necessities.
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance staff writer Elizabeth Ody says that even though that may be so, there’re ways in which you save literally thousands of dollars.
A visit to the emergency room, for yourself or a loved one, is no time to be haggling over prices or shopping around for a good deal. On the other hand, even if you’re uninsured, huge medical bills don’t have to bury you in debt, wreck your credit or banish you to collection hell.
She builds her case on 5 key points:
Those last two are what brings you the most cash and reading this part of the article will benefit you and yours. Apparently there’s a whole industry build on appealing hospital costs with some bills slashed to 50% of the original.
Bolster your case by showing you’re serious about paying. A good way to do that is to offer to pay the discounted amount immediately once you secure a sizable reduction in charges. “We’ve seen prompt-pay discounts of up to 50%,” says Rukavina.
[...] a medical-billing advocate or claims specialist can help you figure out a reasonable amount to pay and can also assist you in making your case. “Hospitals and doctors get their attorneys, and patients get us,” says Nora Johnson. [...]
A hired gun can be a good option if your bills are exceptionally large or complicated. Individual advocates usually run their own businesses and set their own fees.
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