Marshall Allen

Marshall Allen, a healthcare journalist and author of "Never Pay the First Bill," dives into the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system. He shares why it's crucial to avoid paying the first medical bill you receive and provides insightful hacks to potentially lower costs. Allen discusses the importance of understanding medical pricing, negotiating bills, and appealing insurance decisions. He also emphasizes the need for healthcare transparency and how patients can empower themselves with data to navigate their medical journeys effectively.

Sarah Kliff, a New York Times journalist focused on healthcare financing, and Marshall Allen, a ProPublica journalist and author, unveil the hidden chaos of medical billing. They dissect outrageous upcoding practices like $629 band-aids and $11,000 COVID tests. The conversation reveals how financial fears deter patients from seeking necessary care, leaving families anxious about unexpected medical costs. Both guests emphasize the critical need for transparency and patient advocacy in a convoluted healthcare system that often prioritizes profit over genuine care.