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Even a minor injury or illness can result in a huge medical bill. Your insurance may not pay everything, due to deductibles, co-pays, or other limits. But, there are some things you can do to avoid being left with medical bills that will strain your finances.
Negotiate the Bill Down
Many people don’t realize they can negotiate bills, both with the insurance company and the health provider. The first step is calling the healthcare provider where the bill is coming from, whether it’s your primary care doctor, a specialist, a lab, or other provider. Double check that the billing codes are accurate for the service you received. An error can result in a much higher fee or a lower insurance benefit. If you have low income, some healthcare providers will negotiate a lower rate. You may also qualify for assistance from Medicaid or another charity program. Also, many hospitals and other providers will work with you to arrange a payment plan.
Make Sure Insurance Covers Treatment
Many health insurance plans will require pre-approval for some procedures, tests, and treatments. This process can be frustrating but it does protect you from receiving care that isn’t covered by your insurance policy. You may be able to access the details of your health insurance plan in your online account.
In any case, before agreeing to medical treatment or tests, you should check out the costs and coverage. You can find out if your insurance covers the treatment after a consultation with the provider. Be sure to ask your provider if any other physicians, labs, medications, or consultations will be involved and whether those will also be covered.
Preventative Care
The best way to prevent large medical bills is by reducing your chances of needing hospitalization or costly care. While there are no guarantees, preventative care such as screen tests can often catch a medical problem in early stages when it’s easier and less expensive to deal with. For example, when diabetes is diagnosed early, treatment and lifestyle changes can prevent costly complications later on. Wellness programs, such as smoking cessation and weight loss, can also reduce the chances of expensive medical bills down the road.
Receiving a huge medical bill after suffering an illness or injury can be a shock, but you can take action to prevent them or reduce their impact. When it comes to your health, think proactively, make wise choices. Medical bills don’t have to put you deep into debt!
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