Being involved in a slip and fall or an auto accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are faced with mounting medical bills. Negotiating these bills down can make a significant difference in the amount you take out of a settlement. Here are some tips and tricks to help you manage, even potentially reduce your medical expenses.

Understand Your Medical Bills

Before you begin negotiating, it is crucial to understand your medical bills. Make sure you have an itemized statement that details each service provided. This transparency will help you identify any errors or unnecessary charges that can be disputed.

Review for Errors

Medical billing errors are VERY common. Look for duplicate charges, incorrect dates, or even services you did not receive. If you spot any discrepancies, contact the billing department in order to make sure the charges are corrected.

Know Your Health Insurance Coverage

Familiarize yourself with your health insurance policy and what kind of coverage you have. Knowing the specifics can help you to understand what portion of the bills you are responsible for and what should be covered by your insurer. Some providers will tell you they are unable to send your bill to your health insurance company because your injury was related to a slip and fall or an auto accident, this is not true. If this happens to you, know you can send the bill to your health insurance company for processing. In most cases your health insurance company will pay the bill.

Negotiate Early

Start the negotiation process as soon as possible. The sooner you begin, the better your chances are of reducing your medical bills. Contact the billing department for the hospital or medical provider and express your concerns with the high medical bill.

Ask for a Discount

Do not hesitate to ask for a discount. Medical providers often have programs in place to help patients who are struggling to pay their bills. The provider would rather get something rather than nothing for the services rendered. Make sure to mention if you are uninsured or experiencing financial hardship.

Offer to Pay a Lump Sum

If you are able to do so, offer to pay a lump sum. Medical providers may be willing to accept a lower amount if they receive a guaranteed payment immediately rather than waiting for the full amount over time. You should ask the billing department if they will accept however much you can afford as full satisfaction of your outstanding balance.

Set up a Payment Plan

If a lump sum payment is not feasible, you can ask about setting up a payment plan. Many medical providers will work with you to create a manageable plan that fits your budget. The medical provider would rather work with you to receive something, rather than selling your account to a collections agency for far less than your outstanding medical bills.

Utilize a Medical Billing Advocate

You may want to consider hiring a medical billing advocate. A medical billing advocate is a professional that specializes in negotiating medical bills and can often secure better discounts than individuals can on their own.

Check State Programs and Resources

In Tennessee and Michigan, there are state-specific programs that may offer financial assistance for medical bills. Research what is available in your state and see if you qualify for any of the available resources.

Legal Assistance

As a personal injury attorney, I can help negotiate your medical bills as part of your overall settlement process. Having legal representation can often lead to more favorable outcomes in reducing your medical expenses and maximizing your settlement funds. An attorney will make sure the provider is following proper billing procedures. An attorney will also make sure that the bills are sent to your health insurance company in a timely manner.

Negotiating medical bills can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can significantly reduce your financial burden. If you have been injured in a slip and fall or auto accident in Tennessee or Michigan, do not hesitate to reach out to Cotter Law for professional legal assistance to help navigate this challenging process.

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