You may be wondering what in the world this thing is in your inbox. Intro?!? You may vaguely remember it. Something about a money robot or some guy named Cal. It’s been ages but the long hibernation is over.
Long-form articles are helpful, but, well… long. Who wouldn’t want to read 2,370 words on the secret weapon of defining Enough. But, sometimes a brief intro is best. Just enough to be introduced to something great, but no need for the life story.
So today, three quick intros related to lowering your hospital bills
Our family has become pretty familiar with the local hospital systems the last few months: baby #2 was born, urgent care and ER visits for both kids, specialist appointments for #2, and, to top it off, an ambulance ride with a two-day stay for #1. Even with insurance, it adds up quickly. I’ve been on the hunt for ways to save a few benjamins.
[1] Just ask.
The simplest route is just to ask whoever is billing you to reduce the bill, perhaps if you pay in full. For some this sounds about as appealing as public speaking, but seriously, it can work. I’ve already seen our ambulance bill get lowered by nearly 30% because of a simple ask (here’s a sample script).
[2] Dollar For: Your Personal Advocate with Nonprofit Hospitals
Every single nonprofit hospital in the United States, which most are, is required to have a charity care program. The only problem is that many hospitals make it difficult to learn about the program, apply, and actually take advantage of it (go figure). Dollar For is a nonprofit that knows the ropes and actually advocates on your behalf with the hospital. You submit a bunch of info, and Dollar For goes to work for you by properly submitting it with the hospital and following up with them…all for free!
[3] Chuck Norris Goodbill: Your Expert Inspector and Negotiator
If neither of the first two options get you anywhere, it may be time to call in the master negotiator. Goodbill’s the name. Goodbill is a company that will take in all your bills, inspect them for accuracy (yes, this is a major problem), and go to town negotiating on your behalf. They get paid by taking 20% of the savings. If they don’t save you money, you don’t pay a dime.
Want a bit of a deeper dive? Check out the resources below:
NPR Life Kit: Medical Bills Can Cause Financial Crisis. Here’s How to Negotiate Them.
Anything by Marshall Allen, like his his newsletter, this podcast interview or his book, Never Pay the First Bill: And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win.
And, that’s a wrap.
Josh