Tips for cutting medical bills

With the burgeoning cost of pharmaceuticals, doctor visits, and hospital stays, staying healthy has become an increasingly expensive proposition. In addition, health insurers are passing along more and more of their costs in the form of higher deductibles, increased premiums, and larger co-payments. Out-of-pocket costs for even one hospital stay can break a household budget, and it may take years to recover.
That's the bad news. The good news? You can control some of these ever-increasing health care costs by following a few simple strategies:

• Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. You haggle when buying an automobile. Why not use a similar tactic when discussing items on your hospital bill? In fact, out-of-pocket costs for a surgery may even exceed the cost of that shiny vehicle sitting in the driveway. Fortunately, health care providers are often amenable to reducing invoiced amounts, and some may offer discounts for upfront payment. You might also research the cost of similar services in your area and use those figures as a starting point for negotiation. One place to start is healthcarebluebook.com.

• Scrutinize the bill. Hospitals are notorious for double billing and mischarges. When you receive the itemized bill, pore over it — line by line. Look for charges that don't make sense ($50 charges for hospital supplies that are available for a dollar at the local department store); charges for services you didn't receive (physical therapy that never happened); or more than one charge for the same item (separate charges for the hospital room and standard amenities like bed sheets). Examine the rates for these items as well. Your insurer may have negotiated lower rates, but you may have been charged more-expensive uninsured rates. And make sure all eligible out-of-pocket expenses are credited toward your deductible.

• Comparison shop before you buy. Unless you're being treated for an emergency, you may have time to locate more cost-effective health care alternatives. For example, using a stand-alone MRI imaging center may cost significantly less than the same test if offered by a hospital. A walk-in clinic or urgent care facility is generally cheaper than a visit to the local emergency room. Switching to generic drugs, when available, can save you up to 60% over name-brand equivalents.

If in doubt, call your insurer's hotline to ask for help. Remember: insurance companies have a vested interest in your good health.

aconner@atconnercpa.com