ER Bill Shock? Use This 4-Step Script To Negotiate a Discount
An emergency room visit is scary enough, but what's even more shocking is the bill you receive weeks later. You can easily owe thousands of dollars, especially if you don't have health insurance.
Before you pay the bill, however, here are a few things you can do to potentially get a discount or reduce the total cost.
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Step 1: Request Itemized Bill
Call the number on your bill and consider saying something like the following:
“Hi, I’d like to request a complete itemized bill for account number [X] in writing, including every CPT code. I’m not making the payment until I review it first.”
Lump-sum bills hide duplicate charges and services you never received. This step buys you time and gets you the line items you’ll need later.
Step 2: Cross-Check Against Fair Pricing
Once they send you the itemized bill, use free databases such as Healthcare Bluebook to check the fair price of every line item. Note down all the medication and procedures way above the estimated cost.
Step 3: Ask for the Discount
Now, call back the hospital’s billing department and say the following:
“Hi, I’ve gone through my itemized bill for account [X], and I’d like to discuss a few line items.”
Walk them through the items you think are overcharged and give them time to explain why they’re charging those amounts and what you found from your research.
After that, go ahead and request a discount, saying something along the lines of:
“Could you also let me know about your prompt-pay discount?”
Almost every hospital in the U.S. has a prompt-pay discount that gives you a reduction in the billed amount if you clear the bill within a set window. This could amount to savings totaling 10% to 25% of your bill. You only need to ask for it.
Step 4: Get It in Writing
Don’t hang up to make the payment if they give you a discount. Request for a written confirmation.
"Can you email me written confirmation of this agreement before I make payment?"
Verbal agreements tend to fly out the window when your account is transferred within the billing department.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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