How Can I Negotiate My Medical Bills?
<div class="user-question">I was recently hit by a huge, unplanned medical bill. Even if I were to empty all my savings, it still wouldn’t be enough to cover the entire thing. Do you have any strategies on how to manage this?</div>
Hey there, I’m sorry to hear about the unexpected medical bill! That’s such a tough situation, and I totally get how overwhelming it can feel to be hit with something like this, especially when it feels like all your savings just aren’t enough to cover it. I had this happen last year, and there are several ways you can work with the provider to lower that bill and make things a little more manageable. Let’s dive in!
1️⃣ Call The Billing Department Directly
Pick up the phone and call the billing department. Avoid emails - talking to a real person will get you better results. You’ll be able to explain your situation and find out if there are any discounts or payment plans available. Plus, they may offer financial assistance options that aren't publicly advertised.
2️⃣ Express Your Willingness to Pay
Let them know you want to pay the bill, but the full amount is too much for you right now.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Here’s a script you can use - this is exactly what I said to save thousands on my medical bills last year.</div>
3️⃣ Ask for a Discount. Be Direct.
Providers often offer discounts for immediate full payments, so it’s worth asking about it. Say something like:
You can also mention that you’ve had other providers offer discounts of 10-30% for immediate payment. This shows you’ve done your research and can help strengthen your request:
4️⃣ Explore Other Financial Assistance Programs
Ask if they have any financial assistance or charity care programs. Many hospitals offer these, but they don’t always advertise them. You can usually find info under the “Financial Assistance” section on their website, or just search ‘[Hospital Name] financial assistance or charity care’.
Depending on your income, you might qualify for reduced rates, or even up to 100% off.
If not, many hospitals offer 0% interest payment plans, so it’s always worth asking.
<div class="frich-tip">Take a look here at some debt relief options and see if you qualify!</div>
5️⃣ Consider Paying with a Credit Card
If you’re facing a large medical bill, consider opening a new credit card that offers a 0% APR introductory period (typically 12–24 months). You could use this strategy to:
- Earn sign-up bonuses or rewards points
- Spread out larger payments (like taxes or medical bills) without paying interest
Important: Transferring a medical bill to a credit card isn’t ideal unless you’re confident you can pay it off before the interest kicks in. Only do this if you know your budget and have a clear plan to pay it off before the intro rate ends.
<div class="frich-tip">If you're confiddent that this is a good option for you, here are some cards the Frich team likes.</div>
6️⃣ Follow Up If Needed
If you don’t get the result you’re hoping for, don’t be afraid to call back until you do. Sometimes it helps to speak to a different representative who might be able to work with you on a better deal.
If the amount they offer is still higher than you’re comfortable with, be polite but persistent:
If the provider can’t meet your requested discount or offer a reasonable payment plan, don’t be discouraged! Sometimes, you can call back in a few days and ask again for better terms. Patience and persistence can go a long way here. In the past, I’ve called twice, and each representative gave me a different discount. I ended up taking the highest one offered.
7️⃣ Negotiation Script for Your Call
For a more detailed script on exactly what to say when negotiating your medical bills, I made this helpful negotiation script link. It includes all the phrases you’ll need to confidently ask for a discount, inquire about payment plans, and follow up if needed.
These steps should give you a little more control and breathing room as you navigate your medical bills. I know how stressful this can feel, but you do have options - and advocating for yourself can make a bigger difference than you think.
8️⃣ Planning for Medical Bills
As much as we hope these surprise bills don’t happen again, the reality is that medical costs can sneak up on anyone. A little prep now can make a huge difference later.
Here are a few ways to build a cushion for future medical expenses:
🏥 Start a “health fund” in a high-yield savings account (HYSA)
Even $25–$50/month will add up over time and earn interest. This can be used for anything from dental work to therapy.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Here are our team's favorite HYSAs at the moment!</div>
🏥 Have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)?
Open a Health Savings Account (HSA). It’s one of the best tax-advantaged accounts out there:
- Pre-tax contributions
- Tax-free growth
- Tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses
- Bonus: HSA money rolls over every year - it’s not "use it or lose it"
🏥 Not HSA-eligible?
See if your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA):
- Contribute pre-tax dollars
- Use funds for things like co-pays, prescriptions, or even some over-the-counter products
- Keep in mind: FSAs are often “use it or lose it” each year
🏥 Budget for the unexpected
When you're creating your monthly or annual budget, try to include health-related expenses, just like you would for travel or dining out. Consider budgeting 5% of your monthly income toward healthcare expenses.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Consider budgeting 5% of your monthly income toward healthcare expenses.</div>
Btw - here's how others are doing👀
Do you have an emergency fund?
👍53% Yes
👎47% No
Being proactive doesn’t guarantee you’ll avoid large bills, but it can give you more options and a stronger sense of control when things come up.
Stay well,
Leona
