Patients can bargain with some hospitals to reach affordable agreements on payment arrangements and medical bill amounts. Patients in the United States who request to negotiate with hospitals receive up to 60 percent discounts, according to Carrie McLean of eHealthInsurance.com. Negotiating options depend on the patient's ability to pay.
Options
Hospitals usually negotiate bills with patients only under extreme circumstances. Interest-free payment plans allow patients to pay down costs without accruing interest on top of what they owe. Some cash-paying patients have talked bill amounts down by 50 percent and saved thousands of dollars.
Benefits
Hospitals lose less on uncompensated care by lowering bill amounts, even if the original bill amounts do not get paid in full. Smaller bills allow patients to protect credit scores.
Payment
Patients are expected to pursue payment arrangement options within one month of receiving their hospital bills. Payment plans range anywhere from a week to several years, depending on the bill amount and situation. Patients who fail to at least attempt to negotiate risk accruing interest and added fees.
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