Only 10-15% of uninsured consumers ask for a discount and will receive one about 50% of the time. It pays to
ask for a discount when receiving medical services!
Do not be afraid to call an insurance company to learn about questionable charges. Ask for an explanation that
you can understand, not one riddled with medical jargon. If you are certain there's a problem, be persistent!
Someone may eventually notice that you are correct and remedy the problem, rather than hoping you will simply
just go away.
If you are receiving bills that insurance should have paid, call your insurance company. It is possible that
they have not received or have lost your claim. Also call your medical provider -- it's important that they
are informed so that they do not send your claim to a collections agency.
Prior to any medical procedures, try to negotiate a discount upfront. It is in your best interest to know
what your cost will be before you have your procedure. If you are not sure of specific costs, ask if it's
possible to see a C.P.T. code (the ID number of the procedure code). You can then call other local providers
and find out how much they charge for that particular procedure.
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| PAP Smears billed to men |
| $540 charged for a tongue depressor |
| $140 Tylenol |
| $1,000 toothbrush |
| Circumcisions billed to baby girls, even a set of twins! |
| $270 for 2 oz. cup of liquid Motrin |
| $127,000 charged to deliver baby -charged for 108 deliveries |
| #41 IV bags charged at 2 hour emergency room visit |
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