New research reveals that challenging questionable medical bills can result in corrections, reduced costs, and financial assistance. (Shutterstock)
- About 1 in 5 people received a medical bill they disagreed with or couldn't afford in the past year, study finds.
- Nearly 75% of those who reported billing errors saw corrections made after contacting billing offices.
- Experts advise verifying bill ownership, requesting itemized statements, and exploring financial assistance options.
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A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that disputing questionable medical bills can often lead to positive outcomes.
According to NBC News, the research highlights the importance of scrutinizing and challenging medical charges when they seem incorrect or unaffordable.
Many See Results When Disputing Bills
Erin Duffy, lead study author and director of research training at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, emphasizes, “If there’s a bill that you receive that doesn’t look quite right or that you can’t afford, pick up the phone and call the billing office. When people do, most get positive results.”
The survey revealed that about 20% of respondents received a medical bill they disagreed with or couldn’t afford in the past year. Of those, 61.5% contacted billing offices to address their concerns. The results were encouraging:
- Nearly 75% of those who reported billing errors saw corrections made.
- 62% of those who found bills unaffordable received payment plans or price reductions.
- 76% of those seeking to negotiate received financial assistance or bill cancellation.
Medical Debt Impacts Millions
These findings are particularly significant given the prevalence of medical debt in the United States. A 2022 KFF survey found that over half of U.S. adults reported having medical debt in the past five years, with total medical debt estimated at $220 billion.
Dr. Adam Gaffney, a critical care physician, warns that medical debt can “ruin people’s financial futures,” affecting loan approvals and even leading to wage garnishment or lawsuits.
Related Story: Middle-Class Americans Getting Crushed by Rising Health Insurance Costs
The study also noted that certain individuals were more likely to dispute bills, including extroverts and those who tend to be more skeptical and competitive. Conversely, people without college degrees, those with low financial literacy, and the uninsured were least likely to challenge bills.
Tips for Addressing Medical Bills
Experts advise patients to verify bill ownership, request itemized statements, and be aware of protections like the No Surprises Act. They also recommend exploring financial assistance options and avoiding credit card payments for medical bills when possible.
Read more at NBC News
