Got a ,200 medical bill after insurance - is this normal or should I fight it?

Personal Finance

Went to the ER in September for chest pains (turned out to be anxiety, fun times). I have insurance through my employer, supposedly pretty good coverage. Just got a bill for ,200 which is my "patient responsibility" after insurance paid their part. The total bill was like ,000 for basically some tests and 4 hours in a room. Is this just how it works or did something go wrong? Can I negotiate this down?

Amanda Wilson

3 Answers

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First thing - call the hospital billing department and ask for an itemized bill. Like every single charge listed out. Half the time there are errors or duplicate charges. Second, ask about financial assistance programs, most hospitals have them even for people with insurance. Third, you can almost always negotiate. Offer to pay 50% in cash right now and theyll often take it. Hospitals would rather get something than send it to collections. I got a ,800 bill down to ,100 just by asking nicely and being persistent.

Brandon Harris

ER bills are almost always negotiable. I got a ,500 bill down to ,800 by simply asking "is there a cash pay discount?" and "can you put me on a payment plan?" Hospitals expect to negotiate.

Justin Garcia

Also check if your insurance processed it correctly. Call them and ask for the claim details. Half the time something was coded wrong or they missed that you already met your deductible.