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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Health Care: The Musical
My Neighbor the Health-Care Ninja
Mom vs. Texas
Hey there! Season 3 is coming November 14. Here’s a preview.
A place where they do health care more cheaply and effectively. (And yes, it’s in the U.S.)
An actor walks into a doctor’s office…
Whoa, this medical device is spying on me. In my sleep. So my insurer can deny me coverage.
The surprising history behind insulin’s absurd price (and some hopeful signs in the wild)
Coming next week: The price of insulin
Why are drug prices so random? Meet Mr. PBM
How much for an MRI? Well, that depends…
To get paid, hospitals get creative
We thought we had adulted properly
We’re back! Here’s a taste of Season 2, launching June 4.
A “deal” on health insurance comes with troubling strings
Why are ER bills so horrible? Sarah Kliff spent a year finding out. (Season One, episode 7)
Why Health Insurance Actually Sucks (Season One, episode 6)
So, Robin Hood’s got an approach to medical bills. (Season One, episode 5)
Why you (and I) will likely pick the wrong health-insurance plan (Season One, episode 4)
How one drug got its $500,000 price tag. (With 99 Percent Invisible– Season One, episode 3)
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