For the over 50 million uninsured Americans, paying for medical coverage is a struggle, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Almost 40 percent of the uninsured live under the poverty level, and 75 percent of the uninsured are employed, as of 2009. Even if you have health insurance coverage, deductibles, prescriptions and co-payments can be substantial. Although it can be intimidating to negotiate with your doctor for lower bills, doing so can save you money.
Step 1
Speak candidly with your physician and her billing office concerning your bill and treatment plan. An article in the "Los Angeles Times" written by Francesca Lunzer Kritz recommends asking your doctor about the immediate need for tests and treatments. Discuss whether it is safe to have a procedure postponed or performed in another facility. Tell your doctor about your employment status and any upcoming changes in your medical coverage. Ask about discounts for under or uninsured patients.
Step 2
Write a check or pay cash for your office visits and procedures, advises "Smart Money" magazine. Remember that paying cash also helps the medical provider save money and time on insurance billing and paperwork. Ask in advance if your medical provider offers an upfront discount for cash. Many hospitals offer a discount for an advance payment, or if you pay your bill within a certain number of days.
Step 3
Inspect every bill you receive. Insist on an itemized billing statement for inpatient and outpatient procedures, and compare the care you received with the bill. The length and complexity of the bill makes it easy for the billing area to make mistakes. Consumer Reports says that even if you have insurance, saving money helps you stay further under your lifetime insurance coverage limit.
Step 4
Negotiate with your doctor's billing office just as you would negotiate for other services. "Know the real cost" of care, recommends Jeanne Lee in an article on CBS's Money Watch website. Use the Internet to determine the cost insurance companies pay and negotiate from that reduced number. If you are paying for the procedure on your own, ask for the same rate as and insurance company or Medicaid pays.
Step 5
Seek help from a non-profit credit counseling service, if you are unsuccessful dealing directly with the hospital or doctor's office, recommends the Federal Citizen Information Center. Avoid ignoring a bill or upcoming medical procedure due to financial constraints. Research the reputation of a counseling service and be prepared for your meeting by gathering your bills and correspondence from the medical office.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask the office to put payment information and cost reduction agreements in writing. Do not put off necessary tests due to lack of funds. Be persistent when asking for a discount.
- Research your rights and responsibilities and be firm with bill collectors.
