How to Negotiate Medical Bills Down After an Accident

Medical bills after an accident can be overwhelming, but many people do not realize that medical bills are negotiable. Hospitals and medical providers routinely accept less than the billed amount, and knowing how to negotiate can save you thousands of dollars.

Check for Billing Errors

Medical billing errors are surprisingly common, occurring in an estimated 30 to 80 percent of medical bills. Review every bill carefully for duplicate charges, charges for services you did not receive, incorrect billing codes, charges for a private room when you were in a shared room, and inflated prices for medications or supplies.

Request an Itemized Bill

Always request an itemized bill rather than a summary bill. An itemized bill shows every individual charge, making it easier to identify errors and negotiate specific items.

Negotiate Directly with Providers

Contact the billing department and explain that you are unable to pay the full amount. Ask about financial assistance programs or charity care. Offer to pay a lump sum at a reduced rate. Request a payment plan with no interest. Ask if they will accept the Medicare rate, which is typically 40 to 60 percent less than the billed amount.

Use Your Health Insurance

If you have health insurance, make sure all bills are submitted to your insurer. Your health insurance has negotiated rates with providers that are significantly lower than the billed amount. Even if the accident was someone else's fault, your health insurance should cover your treatment.

Medical Liens and Your Settlement

If medical providers treated you on a lien basis, your attorney can often negotiate the lien amount down when your case settles. Providers would rather accept a reduced amount than risk getting nothing if the case is unsuccessful.

Conclusion

Negotiating medical bills can save you thousands of dollars and increase the net amount you receive from your settlement. Do not accept medical bills at face value.

Use our free settlement calculator to estimate what your case might be worth.