<p>Hi CC parents, I come to you for healthcare advice. In August I got in a bike accident and had to have nine stitches at the ER. I just received the bill and it’s over $1300, which seems ridiculous. I am on a high deductible plan, so I’ll have to pay about $1000. What can I do to reduce the amount? I’ve heard of people negotiating with the hospital.</p>
<p>I would try to negotiate…most likely you can at least get an a zero interest monthly plan.</p>
<p>Even though you have a high deductible plan, it may pay to file this as a claim. Your insurance may well have negotiated rates with the ER facility, so that even though the claim may be under your deductible you may be eligible for the insurer’s negotiaed rate for the services.</p>
<p>Did you go to a hospital in the plan? If so, the total bill maybe lower. The hospital (doctor) may bill you 1300, but if they are in your health plan, they maybe contractually agreed to pay only $650. If all else fails, try to negotiate with the hospital.</p>
<p>Ask for an itemized bill to see if any charges look ridiculously high($200 for a bandage?), and if so, those are ones you could focus on getting a reduction for. Find out the contracted rates for your insurance company, and what they consider “customary & reasonable” for the services. This may also give you some negotiating power.</p>
<p>fiona - Sorry to hear of your accident … and sorry about the stitches. No fun, I know.</p>
<p>I wish I could wave my magic wand and make this $$$ problem go away. I’ve found that the hardest part is finding someone with the authority to “waive the waive-able.” There’s surely someone at that hospital who knows the institution will only get 40% if the bill goes to collection. The key is finding that person.</p>
<p>M-e-a-n-w-h-i-l-e … I agree with posters who suggest you speak with both the hospital’s billing staff AND your insurance company’s support staff. Rule for accidents and/or Emergency Room visits are different from scheduled healthcare visits.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>