Planet Money
Tackle your medical debt with Life Kit
Jul 31, 2023
Jared Walker, the founder of Dollar For, is on a mission to tackle the staggering $195 billion medical debt crisis in the U.S. He shares insights on negotiating medical bills and the importance of understanding CPT codes. Personal stories highlight the emotional weight of medical expenses, while practical tips reveal how to navigate financial assistance programs. Walker emphasizes that just because a bill arrives doesn't mean you have to pay the full amount, making this discussion a must-listen for anyone struggling with medical costs.
17:49
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Quick takeaways
- Patients should research charity care policies and apply to potentially have their medical bills significantly reduced or eliminated.
- Patients should carefully review their itemized bills for errors or overcharges and dispute any charges that don't align with the services received.
Deep dives
The Importance of Charity Care for Medical Bills
When facing a large medical bill, one of the first steps is to determine if you qualify for charity care. Many nonprofit hospitals are required by law to provide free or reduced care for patients within a certain income range. By researching charity care policies and completing the application process, patients can potentially have their medical bills significantly lowered or even eliminated entirely.
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