Pesky medical bill? Many people don’t take a key step to manage that debt, study finds

CNBC September 20, 2024
Greg Iacurci

Key Points

– Many people don’t dispute potential errors on their medical bills because they feel it’s ineffective.

– However, calling a health provider to address a financial concern can, for example, help correct, reduce or eliminate one’s bill, according to a University of Southern California study.

– Doing nothing and avoiding payment may result in late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.

Consumers may feel their medical bills are unyielding, inflexible, set in stone. But that’s not always true: A new study shows patients can often reap financial benefits by disputing charges that seem erroneous or by negotiating for financial relief.

Of consumers who don’t reach out to question a medical bill, 86% said...

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