BiggerPockets Money Podcast Healthcare Hacks That Could Save You Thousands on the Journey to FIRE
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Apr 22, 2025 
Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, helps Americans tackle the high costs of healthcare by negotiating medical bills. He reveals how you can leverage the Affordable Care Act to save thousands on healthcare expenses. Learn clever tips for negotiating bills, utilizing cash payments, and spotting erroneous charges. Jared also discusses the emotional turmoil of medical debt and shares strategies for financial independence. Empower yourself with knowledge and take control of your healthcare costs!
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Jared's Medical Bill Origin Story
- Jared Walker started negotiating medical bills after seeing his family face huge medical costs with emergencies in 2012.
- He began with grassroots crowdfunding to help local families pay medical bills in Portland, Oregon.
Hidden Hospital Charity Care Programs
- Most nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer charity care or financial assistance programs for eligible patients.
- Hospitals often conceal these programs, so many patients pay bills they could qualify to have reduced or waived.
Using Social Media to Spread Awareness
- Jared's TikTok video about hospital charity care went viral, helping millions discover eligibility.
- His nonprofit created a database of 8,000 hospitals with charity care policy data for quick eligibility screening and support.