Negotiating hospital bills (and hosp. financial assistance)

[shortstax]

Anyone have any tips (or anecdotes) about negotiating out of pocket payments for medical bills?

DD's little stint in the NICU was billed at about 38k, after insurance and adjustments our out-of-pocket bills are only about $2400. We can make payment for this easily, but I was curious if it would be worth my time to call and negotiate.  Anyone do this? Any tips or advice?

or

On the bill, it shows that financial assistance is available for anyone who makes under the poverty line or under 400% of the poverty line. There's a chart that shows that 400% of the poverty line for a family of 4 in our area is a gross income of $97k.  Last year DH and I grossed about $xx (will DD later.) In this scenario, would you "apply" for it?  On one hand, we'd qualify, but on the other we have cushy savings and I'd hate to take funding that could be used for others who could use it more.

WWYD

[sjh722]

I would call. Our hospital system will not give prompt payment discounts if your insurance has paid, but a lot of doctors/labs will. I just call and ask to speak to billing, then I say "If I can pay my balance in full today, what discount can you offer?" It's usually 20-25%.

I wouldn't apply for financial assistance if I could afford it/had savings to cover it.

[Deleted]

I'd do the same as PP suggested, I saved a few hundred dollars by calling and saying "I'll pay the bill in full right now if you'll discount it" and they gave me 20% off. As for financial assistance, I'd not apply for it because I'd rather it go to someone that was closer to the poverty line than squeaking just under the top of the cap (not that you might not need it, I don't know your situation and I'm not judging, but for me - I'd rather hit my savings a bit than have a bill it someone that it will be truly hit hard).

[piaffe]

I did apply for financial assistance we saved 25-30% based on our income then set up a payment plan. I had to provide bank statements for the last three months.

[linz]

I called about our NICU bills - the local hospital as well as Neonatal Care which was the Dr bills. Neither would reduce what we owed but worked out a payment plan. I'd call if you plan to make monthly payments so they can make note of it - or tell you what the minimum is so you don't get sent to collections. I know with Neonatal Care they wouldn't give me a discount. I paid off the balance in full once we got our tax return and told them I would write a check for the full amount and they wouldn't budge. But still worth asking as some places might do it.

[soso]

Jun 16, 2015 7:51:28 GMT -5 @sessalee said:

I'd do the same as PP suggested, I saved a few hundred dollars by calling and saying "I'll pay the bill in full right now if you'll discount it" and they gave me 20% off.

This. I've done this with success (if payment in full is an option for you.)

[egishere]

We only got billed from the NICU Dr group and they were unwilling to discount anything. I set up a payment plan. Good luck!

[countthestars]

We get 20% off if we call and pay right away - I would give that a try first.

[shortstax]

Thanks for all the advice ladies! I'm going to call and see if they can discount anything if I pay in full. I'll report back on how it all works out

[Deleted]

DH's hospital policy is that they will give a 25% "discount" if you pay in full, in cash, within 30 days.

[Ashley&Scott]

I tried this & my hospital would not budge. Our OOP costs after insurance were $4500

[pinotgrig]

G's pedi cardiologist gave us a 20% discount for paying in full. It was mentioned on the statement. Odds are it will work if you just ask.