Lowering Medical Bills: Quick Checklist

Your complete action plan to reduce medical bills by 30-90%. Follow this checklist, then dive into our detailed guides for specific situations.

3 min read
80%
of bills have errors
30-90%
typical savings range
365 days
before credit reporting

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Your Action Checklist

1

Immediate Actions (Do Today)

2

For Hospital Bills

3

After Insurance Processing

4

Final Steps

Quick Scripts

Requesting Itemized Bill

"I need an itemized bill for account #[number] showing all CPT codes, quantities, and individual charges. Please email it to me as a PDF."

Negotiating Discount

"I can pay $X today if we can mark this paid-in-full. What prompt-pay discount can you offer?"

Resources & Tools

Tips for Success

Timing Matters

  • Apply for charity care before negotiating
  • Appeal insurance denials within 180 days
  • You have 365 days before credit reporting

Document Everything

  • Log every call with date, name, reference #
  • Get agreements in writing before paying
  • Save all bills, EOBs, and correspondence

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Last updated: November 19, 2025 • Educational content only, not legal or financial advice