4 Ways to Lower a Medical Bill Before You Pay It
/It’s happened to most Americans. You go to the doctor, you have an emergency procedure, or maybe some tests run, and then before you know it, you get a bill you were not expecting.
While I want to rant about how the American healthcare system is needlessly confusing. I won’t today because that’s not helpful. Instead, I’m going to give you tips that work.
Negotiate the total
Healthcare Bluebook is a guide to help you negotiate. This works better BEFORE you have a procedure. Look up what the fair price is for your procedure in your area.
1. Go to healthcarebluebook.com and search your procedure (e.g., MRI, tonsillectomy, lab work).
2. Enter your zip code or city.
3. You’ll see a color-coded pricing guide:
• 🟢 Green = Fair Price
• 🟡 Yellow = Slightly high
• 🔴 Red = Expensive
4. Call around to providers in your area and ask for cash prices or estimates. Use the Bluebook price as leverage:
“According to Healthcare Bluebook, a fair price for this MRI is $500. Can you match that?”
Ask for a pay-in-full discount.
Some billing departments will knock off 10–25% if you pay the full amount up front. I did this when I had my first baby.
Apply for financial assistance.
Most hospitals have a hardship program even for middle-income families.
Request a 0% interest payment plan.
Many hospitals offer these without running your credit.
Don’t assume the first bill is your final price always ask questions.