US medical bills are often wrong, and the price is often not final. You can check them and ask for less. Many people do.
Wait for the EOB from your insurer. It shows what the plan paid and what you may owe.
Compare it with the bill from the doctor or hospital. The amount you owe should match.
If the bill came before the plan paid, call the office: "Please bill my insurance first." Give the details on your card.
Step 2: ask for an itemized bill
Call the billing number and say: "Please send me an itemized bill with the billing codes." It lists every service and price.
Look for:
Services you did not get, or the same service charged twice.
The wrong dates or a wrong name or insurance number.
A charge for a whole day when you left in the morning.
A visit billed as "out of network" when the doctor was in network.
Call the billing office. Write down the date, the person's name and what they said.
If the insurer denied a claim, ask the insurer why. You have the right to appeal. The denial letter explains how and by when.
Ask the billing office to put the bill on hold while you check it.
Step 4: ask for help with the cost
Financial assistance (charity care): nonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy and must tell you about it. Many give free or cheaper care to people with low or middle incomes, sometimes even with insurance. Ask: "Can I apply for financial assistance?" You can usually apply even after receiving the bill, for months afterwards.
Self-pay discount: if you have no insurance, ask: "What is the discount for paying myself?"
Negotiate: "I can pay $X today if you accept it as payment in full." Get the agreement in writing before you pay.
Most hospitals and doctors offer an interest-free payment plan. Ask for monthly payments you can afford.
Be careful with medical credit cards and loans offered in the office. Some charge high interest if you do not pay everything within the promotional period.
Ignoring bills. Unpaid bills can go to a collection agency.
Paying with a credit card before checking the bill.
Agreeing to a plan you cannot keep. Ask for a lower monthly amount instead.
Not keeping copies. Save every bill, EOB and letter.