When you visit the doctor, you trust their expertise — and their intentions. But sometimes, a simple checkup can turn into a financial nightmare, with unexpected tests and sky-high bills that leave you drowning in debt.
Medical debt is a crisis in the U.S., with Americans owing a staggering $220 billion as of 2024, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).
Even with insurance, routine visits can spiral into thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Roughly 14 million people owe more than $1,000 in medical bills. So, knowing your rights and taking proactive steps can protect both your health and your wallet.
Being proactive is the best way to avoid overly expensive medical bills. However, if you’re already with a medical bill you can’t afford, there are steps you can take.
The No Surprises Act, which took effect in early 2022, protects you from surprise bills for emergency services and some non-emergency services. Generally, you are not responsible for out-of-network costs when receiving emergency treatment or certain other services.
If you believe the No Surprises Act has been violated, file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or call the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059.
If your bill isn’t covered under the No Surprises Act, ask for an itemized statement before paying. A 2022 KFF study found that 43% of adults reported receiving a medical or dental bill they believed had errors.
Compare the bill with the explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance provider. EOBs outline what your insurer has covered and any remaining balance you owe. You can often access your EOB online through your insurer’s website or app. If discrepancies exist, contact the provider and your insurer to resolve them.
If you do end up having to pay a large medical bill, you still have options. A 2024 JAMA study found that nearly 62% of people who requested reductions on unaffordable medical bills succeeded, while 74% of those disputing an incorrect bill got it corrected.
It’s also a good idea to seek out a patient advocate to negotiate a medical bill on your behalf. Some employers provide this benefit to employees.
