Here’s What You Do When You Receive a High-Dollar Medical Bill
Have you ever gone to an appointment and then got smacked with a $4,000 medical bill? It probably looks a little something like this…
Receiving those bills can be overwhelming and it might seem easier to just tuck it away in your inbox and never think about it. But, your bill won’t just go away if you ignore it. Often, providers will send your bill to a collection agency and eventually your credit file if not resolved in a timely manner. It’s best to confront the bill head on and form a plan to resolve it.
You do have options in these situations. Here is what to do when you’re faced with a high-dollar medical bill:
First, check to make sure the charges and services are accurate.
In some cases, the high cost of services can be due to an accounting error, such as a wrong billing code or even the wrong claim code. It’s important to comb through your bill to ensure that everything was properly calculated.
Check the charges against your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier.
Your EOB will show you the amount you are responsible for paying to the provider as well as discounts and negotiated rates. Always compare the bill from your medical provider to the EOB to ensure that the services you received and the charges listed are correct. Be sure to also keep these documents on file for future reference.
Apply for financial assistance.
Your doctor may offer financial assistance based upon income. Contact your medical provider to find out what options are available to you.
Contact your health insurance agent.
Your health insurance agent is your advocate and can help you resolve escalated issues in a timely manner. They can communicate on your behalf directly with the insurance company to help save you time and frustration when dealing with these issues.
You don’t have to face these issues alone. Your ARC licensed sales agent is available to help you with your health insurance plan, including helping you map out a plan to tackle a high-dollar medical bill. Contact us today.