How do you negotiate a medical bill?

[bunch]

I need a script for my call. I finally got my ct scan bill and the hospital portion is $2400. The hospital I delivered at offered 10 percent off if you paid within 30 days. This says nothing about that. My insurance already negotiated down a few hundred dollars. Is there hope for more?

Oh, and to get my bill I actually had to call. They never sent it (visit was in Sept). So weird.

[ijack]

Call the number and say "I'd like to pay my bill, what is the discount if I pay in full right now?" If you don't like their offer then just set up a payment plan.

[bunch]

Easy enough. Thanks.

[bunch]

They wouldn't negotiate at all. The lady said they weren't allowed to bc the health insurance cos wouldn't let them. I asked why the other hospital in town did. She said she didn't know. I then made a joking comment about my expensive visit and got instructions on how to find their after hours urgent care so that I didn't have to pay for "emergency scale service." I thanked the lady and said I'd remember that the next I thought I was having a stroke. I set up a payment plan just because. I don't even think my hsa earns interest, but I felt like a won a tiny bit. Argh.

[AAM2012]

I would say:

My bill is $2400, will you be willing to settle in full for $1500? "no" Ok, then I'll have to set up arrangements to pay $30/month.

I've never had a hospital not negotiate....but I know it does happen sometimes. If they're willing to settle for less, make sure you get an updated statement showing $0 balance.