A listener’s doctor wanted her credit card info up front — before her appointment. She wondered: Do I need to give it to them? We did too.
After all, who wants the risk of being overcharged — and then having to fight for money back?
Experts gave us their best advice, including a couple of tricks to try, and a legal protection you may be able to rely on.
Meanwhile, Elisabeth Rosenthal, senior contributing editor at KFF Health News, filled us in on the rapid growth of medical debt as a financial product, including specialized credit cards and financing plans pushed by hospitals and other providers.
They can come with steep interest rates, and (surprise, surprise) the terms aren’t always spelled out clearly.
The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been issuing reports, including a handy FAQ, but hasn’t taken enforcement action in a decade.
Here’s a transcript of this episode.
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A Blast of Hope and Humanity: Here's what perseverance looks like
She tangled with health insurance every day for 25 years. And loved it. Here's what she can teach us.
How to fight like a bulldog (against bogus medical bills)
Financial self-defense school, now in session: Make your own luck.
We’re back! Dealing with the cost of health care seems pretty relevant right now.
The hug shortage, the new abnormal, and the $7,000 COVID test. What we've learned in SEASON-19
How Katelyn survived COVID—without going bankrupt. (Not easy. She has tips.)
From inside the health insurance company: Angst, and advice we can use.
The severe, weird recession... in health care. And what it means for our wallets
COVID tests are free, except... when they're not
Like a fire with no one to call: 'We've left no latent capacity in health care.'
If I get COVID-19, what good will my insurance do me?
Makers unite: Speeding PPE to a COVID hospital
Whoa. Welcome to SEASON-19
Reporter's Notebook: What we've learned so far, and what's ahead.
Watch Your Back: Outwitting the Back-Pain Industry
Christmas in July
This hospital sued thousands of patients — until a reporter called them out.
Can they freaking DO that?!?
Why can't they tell you the price upfront?
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