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In short Step 1: Ask for an itemized bill Step 2: Compare it with your insurance statement Step 3: Check for out-of-network charges Step 4: Ask about financial help Step 5: Dispute errors in writing If a bill goes to collections Common questions SourcesIf an ER bill surprises you, do not pay it right away and do not ignore it. Ask for an itemized bill, compare it with your insurance explanation of benefits, check for errors and out-of-network charges, and ask about financial assistance.
Step 1: Ask for an itemized bill
A summary bill hides details. Call the hospital billing office and ask for a bill that lists every charge with its code. Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke to and what they said.
Step 2: Compare it with your insurance statement
If you have insurance, your insurer sends an explanation of benefits. Compare the two. Look for duplicate charges, services you did not get, and amounts the insurer did not process. See how to read an explanation of benefits.
Step 3: Check for out-of-network charges
Under the No Surprises Act, many surprise bills from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and emergency care from out-of-network providers, are limited to in-network cost-sharing. See surprise billing and the CMS page below.
Step 4: Ask about financial help
Ask the hospital for its financial assistance policy. Nonprofit hospitals are required to have one. See hospital charity care. If you still owe money, ask for a payment plan, see hospital payment plans.
Step 5: Dispute errors in writing
If you find a mistake, put the dispute in writing and keep copies. See how to dispute a medical bill.
If a bill goes to collections
Respond before it reaches that point if you can. See medical debt and collections.
- CMS - No Surprises Act
- HealthCare.gov - Getting emergency care
- IRS - Financial assistance policy requirements for charitable hospitals
Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Common questions
Should I pay the ER bill right away?
Not before you have an itemized bill and have checked it against your insurance statement.
Do hospitals have financial help?
Many do. Nonprofit hospitals are required to have a financial assistance policy. Ask the billing office.
What is a surprise bill?
Generally an unexpected bill from an out-of-network provider. Federal rules limit what you can be charged in many cases.
Can Pymander dispute my bill?
No. Pymander does not contact hospitals for you. It can help you prepare questions. Pymander is available in all 50 states.
Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.