Heath Care Pricing Transparency and Consumer Rights: Tips
Basic tips
After receiving a bill...
- If it says "Due upon receipt," ask the provider for more time.
- Request an itemized bill that includes the medical codes, so you can check each charge for accuracy.
- Always wait to receive an "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB) from your insurance company before paying a medical bill.
- If there is anything about a bill or EOB you do not understand, call the phone number listed and ask for it to be fully explained.
- If you still question the charges after bringing it to the attention of customer service personnel at the provider and insurance company, file an appeal through the insurance website.
Medical coding, billing and health insurance systems are complex, but behind it all is our common wish to find a model that financially supports care for everyone who needs it. The appeals process provides the opportunity to correct imperfect outcomes on a case-by-case basis. Do not hesitate to use it.
Advocacy organizations
- Clear Health CostsJournalism company based in NYC works to bring transparency to the health care costs.
- Patient Rights AdvocateNonprofit focused on healthcare price transparency. Seeks to empower consumers with actual, upfront prices, thereby reducing healthcare costs by supporting market competition.
- FAIR Health ConsumerAn independent, national nonprofit organization that seeks to bring transparency to healthcare costs and insurance.
- "Dollar For"This not-for-profit helps people apply for financial assistance (charity care) from hospitals, at no charge.
- Undue Medical DebtThis 501(c)3 charity purchases medical debt from collection agencies and pays it off.
