Chethan Sarabu, MD
Oct 2, 2024
Many patients feel powerless when it comes to medical bills, but the truth is, you have more rights and options than you might realize. You can take control of your healthcare costs and challenge the system that often exploits sickness for profit. The late Marshall Allen, a celebrated investigative journalist, dedicated his career to uncovering the ways the healthcare industry overcharges patients and how individuals can protect themselves from these practices. In this post, we’ll explore key ideas from his work and show how you can negotiate and bring some fairness back into the system.
Protect your money
Healthcare costs ultimately come from one source: you. Whether it’s through insurance premiums, co-pays, or direct payments, your hard-earned money funds the system. If you don’t advocate for and protect your own financial interests, healthcare providers and insurance companies will continue to overcharge. Understanding your rights and taking proactive steps is essential to ensuring you aren't paying more than necessary for your care.
Why the system works against you
The healthcare industry is not structured to prioritize patients' financial wellbeing. It’s designed to maximize profits, and that often comes at your expense. The system capitalizes on a general lack of understanding about billing practices, knowing that many people don't question their medical bills. Allen’s investigations revealed that the industry thrives on this complacency. That’s why it is so important to request itemized bills and question any discrepancies you find. Don’t just assume everything is accurate.
Errors are common
Medical billing errors occur with surprising frequency. These mistakes range from duplicate charges to out-of-network service charges to simple data entry mistakes, all of which can significantly impact your final costs. Allen revealed just how widespread these mistakes are and how they’ve become a routine issue. Identifying these errors and challenging them can save you thousands of dollars. As Allen advised, never accept the first bill you receive without closely reviewing it for errors.
Stories of absurd medical bills
Allen also highlighted some of the most outrageous examples of inflated medical bills, exposing the true extent of the problem. He brought attention to patients who were billed astronomical amounts for routine or minor procedures. These cases show why it’s so important to advocate for yourself and never take your medical bills at face value. Question every charge, and if something doesn’t seem right, request clarification or dispute it. This mindset can save you from paying unnecessarily high fees and can prevent future billing errors from going unnoticed.
Negotiating and reducing your bills
The good news is that you do have more power and leverage in this process than you may think. If you find errors or believe your bill is too high, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Many providers will lower charges by merely challenging them, especially when you can point to specific mistakes or inflated costs. And negotiating isn’t just for those with financial hardships—anyone can ask for a discount or set up a payment plan. The key is persistence and staying informed. By standing your ground, you can often reduce what you owe significantly. OpenHand is here to be your ally in navigating this process seamlessly, helping you take control of your medical bills and advocate for a fairer outcome.