Medical Bills

Even minor medical problems can generate a slew of medical bills. Unfortunately, here in the U.S., you pay separately for doctor visits, specialists, procedures, x-rays, lab work. A high percentage of these are usually incorrect.

Every medical visit last year produced an incorrect bill for me!

• Make sure you keep records of any visits or procedures. 
• Always ask for a receipt. 
• Ask for an itemized bill if one isn't sent to you. 
• Check with your insurance company to make sure it is correct.
• If you're paying in cash, ask if there is a discount for cash payments.
• If your company has a health care advocate, contact them if it's a free service
• Beware of medical credit cards (sometimes they charge high interest rates, especially if not paid within the required period.)
• Check to see if there is a charity medical care foundation in your area available if you don't have insurance and a low income.
• Make sure your doctor is within your insurance network (I have found that on occasion the insurance company shows the doctor as out-of-network on the bill when he is actually listed as in-network. If this happens, call and get it corrected)

Note: I budget for medical expenses (along with maintenance and repair) and put a monthly amount in a savings account. It doesn't have to be much but will help with unforeseen expenses and co-pays. If you don't use it all, carry it forward to the following year.