How to Negotiate Hospital Charges

Many people fall behind on their bills from time to time. And some people find it a challenge to pay their medical bills. However, if you are experiencing financial problems and cannot pay your entire hospital bill, there may be a solution for you. Fortunately, most hospitals will work with patients who demonstrate financial need. So, if you have an expensive hospital bill, do not panic. You might actually be able to negotiate those hospital charges and save money.

Instructions

1

Contact the hospital for an itemized bill of your charges. An itemized bill lists all of your hospital charges in detail, instead of simply showing a total balance due. For example, your itemized bill will display all services that you received, such as lab tests and exams, treatments, surgical procedures and medications--and the cost for each service. You will need to speak to someone in the billing department at the hospital in order to request an itemized bill.

2

Review your statements from the hospital. Take time to carefully read over your monthly billing statement and itemized bill from the hospital. Quite often, hospitals make billing errors, and sometimes a patient is either overcharged for services or billed for services they never received.

3

Inquire about financial assistance. Many hospitals offer special financial assistance programs and discounts for patients who cannot afford to pay their hospital charges. In fact, the hospital may be able to reduce your total balance due and waive certain fees for you based on your current financial situation. You can speak with a financial counselor at the hospital to find out which programs you may qualify for based on you income, family size and the amount you owe the hospital.

4

Negotiate a payment plan with the hospital. Be honest with the hospital and let them know how much you can afford to pay each month. Please keep in mind that your payment plan should be reasonable and affordable for you.

5

Ask for a confirmation letter. Make sure the hospital provides you with a confirmation letter outlining the terms and due dates for your payment plan. The letter should also state your new balance and any type of financial assistance programs or discounts you qualify for.