1) Use “in-network” providers.
If you have health insurance you should be sure the physicians you see are in your insurance carrier’s network. If you are not sure whether the physician is in-network, call your insurance company to find out prior to your visiting the provider.
2) Ask for a discount
If you do not have insurance, some doctors will give you a cash discount of 10-50% for paying cash up front.
3) Save on medications
Check with your doctor to see if there are generic medications to replace your brand name ones. (See Generic vs. Brand Medications) Be sure to call around and check the prices for your prescription at warehouse club and discount/chain store pharmacies. By law, warehouse clubs have to let you purchase from their pharmacy even if you are not a member.
4) Appeal to insurance to have services covered
If a procedure is not covered under your health insurance, follow the appeals process shown on your explanation of benefits to see if the insure will cover your care. It never hurts to try!
5) Read medical bills
Ask for an itemized bill and read it carefully. If the bill is large and confusing, hiring a medical billing consultant, may give you peace of mind that there are no erroneous charges and that your insurance processed the claim correctly.
6) If you can not afford to pay a bill
If you are not able to pay a bill, call the provider and ask to speak with the billing office manager. Explain your situation. Then follow up with a letter, outlining why you cannot pay in full and/or cannot pay at this time. If you do not get a resolution that you can afford, continue calling or writing, and ask to speak to higher-level managerial staff who might be able to discount your fees. Be sure to keep records of whom you spoke to and when you spoke to them.
7) If you are unemployed or do not have health insurance
If you are unemployed, do not have health insurance and truly cannot pay a bill, talk with your physician’s office or hospital about how to get help. They should be able to direct you to your state’s agency or other resources. Be prepared to provide substantial proof that you cannot pay.
