6 Tips for Negotiating Medical Bills

Ever received great medical care and been so thankful for it–until the bills started showing up in your mailbox? Just a few weeks ago, my sweet little girl was born. We are so grateful for the expert care we received from my doctor and the hospital, but now we are in the financial stage of the process. Not so joyful. We have received five separate bills so far, some in my name and some in my daughter’s name, and I expect at least one more.

We have been members of Christian Healthcare Ministry (click here for more info on how this health cost sharing ministry works) for a couple years, and this is the first claim we have had to submit, so we’re hopeful that our portion of the bills will be limited to what we have budgeted for them. Still, CHM asks that we practice stewardship by working for any discounts that we qualify for.

Here are the steps I’m taking (that have previously worked for us) to negotiate these medical bills and figure out what discounts we qualify for:

1. Get Organized: Once you start receiving medical bills, make sure to review them for accuracy. Also, separate them by doctor, hospital, procedure, etc. to make sure that everything is accounted for and that nothing has been double-billed. Keep files for each one, and update the file as you send and/or receive additional information.
2. Be Prompt: You will make a much better case for negotiating if you get on the ball. If you don’t make an effort until your bills are almost (or past) due, you might lose some bargaining power. You will come across as more responsible and more likely to hold up your end of the deal if you get started soon after receiving your bill(s).
3. Make a Phone Call: If there is a phone number provided on the bill, call it. Be courteous and confident, and ask if there are any discounts available for your situation (financial assistance, self-pay, lump sum payment, etc.). If necessary, also check on interest-free payment plans; some hospitals offer them. Take note of who you spoke to and what date and time you called. Keep that in your file for future reference.
4. Provide Additional Information: Oftentimes, the doctor or hospital you are dealing with will request additional information from you. Some have forms you will need to fill out; others may ask for proof of income from your employer or copies of your tax returns. Promptly provide the information requested (see #2).
5. Get it in Writing: This should happen automatically, but insist that you receive your adjusted bill in writing. Keep that in your file.
6. Pay the Bill: Once you have received a negotiated bill, pay it! Then file all your paperwork away and breathe a sigh of relief that the whole process is finished.