New research from the University of Southern California (USC) Schaeffer Center suggests that patients who question problematic medical bills often receive significant financial relief. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, highlights the potential benefits of engaging with billing offices, even as many patients remain hesitant to do so.
The Power of Speaking Up
A recent survey of 1,135 U.S. adults found that about 20% had received a medical bill they disagreed with or couldn’t afford. Of those, 61.5% contacted a billing office to address their concern. The results were encouraging:
- 74% of those who reported billing errors saw their mistakes corrected
- 76% of those who said they couldn’t afford their bill received some form of financial relief
- 62% of those who attempted to negotiate saw their bill reduced
Lead author Erin L. Duffy, director of research training at the Schaeffer Center, noted, “Many people are hesitant to pick up the phone to question the accuracy of a problematic medical bill or explore financial options, but our findings indicate it’s worthwhile and typically takes less than one hour.”
Barriers to Action
Despite the high success rate, many patients don’t take action. The study found that 86.1% of those who didn’t contact the billing office believed it wouldn’t make a difference. This perception is at odds with the study’s findings, which show that most who reached out received some form of assistance.
The research also revealed demographic disparities in who seeks help:
- People without a college degree were less likely to contact billing offices
- Those with lower financial literacy were less likely to reach out
- Uninsured individuals were less likely to challenge bills
Interestingly, personality traits played a role. More extroverted individuals and those with less agreeable personality types were more likely to question problematic bills.
Why It Matters
Medical debt is a significant issue in the United States, affecting millions of Americans. This study suggests that a simple act of reaching out could provide relief for many. However, the current system puts the onus on patients to advocate for themselves, potentially exacerbating existing healthcare disparities.
Erin Trish, study co-author and Schaeffer Center co-director, emphasized this point: “Current healthcare billing practices generally require patients to practice a lot of self-advocacy, and those who cannot self-advocate well are missing opportunities for financial relief. Simpler billing processes and more transparency about financial options could make the system work better for patients.”
The researchers suggest that providing more detailed written information about bills and payment options could encourage more people to seek relief. This change could be particularly beneficial for those who are currently less likely to reach out, potentially helping to reduce healthcare inequality.
As medical costs continue to rise, understanding how to effectively challenge bills and seek financial assistance becomes increasingly important for patients. This study provides valuable insights that could empower more individuals to take action and potentially reduce their medical debt burden.
Test Your Knowledge
- What percentage of people who received a problematic medical bill contacted the billing office? a) 20% b) 61.5% c) 86.1%
- Which group was NOT identified as less likely to challenge medical bills? a) People without a college degree b) Those with lower financial literacy c) Individuals with health insurance
- According to the study, how long did most billing inquiries take? a) Less than one hour b) Between one and two hours c) More than two hours
Answers: 1. b, 2. c, 3. a
