How to Stay With In-Network Providers and What to Do if You Go Out-of-Network
According to an Ipsos survey of over 1,200 adults over the age of 60, healthcare costs exceeding their retirement income was the second-greatest concern of that group.
Being worried about their actual physical health (64% of respondents) was first, but the rising cost of healthcare was next at 56%.
One of the go-to ways of keeping healthcare costs down is by making sure you are exclusively seeing providers that are in-network for your insurance provider.
CHC has details on how to stayin-network, and what to do if you receive an out-of-network charge.
See In-Network Providers
Being vigilant about seeing only in-network providers is the best way to face this issue. Call ahead to make sure that any new doctors, specialists, or labs fall within the scope of your insurance. You can also find this information on your insurance company’s website. If you want to call the specific provider, have your insurance card handy, as all the information that is required will be on the card, and they’ll be able to tell you if they’re in your network. Be sure to confirm with the representative that every provider you might see at the facility falls within your network—just because your primary care physician is in-network doesn’t mean that your bloodwork or X-ray might be covered.
What to Do if You Get an Unexpected Out-of-Network Charge
Even after doing your homework, you still might get a surprise out-of-network charge on your bill. Here are three things you can do that typically remedies the situation.
- Call the billing department that’s listed on the bill. Sometimes typos do occur and the wrong billing code may have been inputted.
- Your state may have laws protecting you against surprise medical billing. Call your state’s insurance commission for more information.
- If those measures fail, call the provider in question and ask if they can waive or lower the charge.
