Mounting Medical Bills Cause Concern for Uninsured

Many Oklahomans have mounting medical bills. It's a tough situation, especially for the growing number of uninsured patients in the state.

Wednesday, February 25th 2009, 9:28 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Many Oklahomans have mounting medical bills. It's a tough situation, especially for the growing number of uninsured patients in the state.

Hospital experts say it's time for the uninsured to boost their healthcare education which could save money.

Getting healthcare at the hospital or doctors office without insurance can be overwhelming.

Just ask Patricia Brewer who recently took a visit to an emergency room.

"I was shocked because usually I've always had medical insurance," Brewer said. "They charged me enough to where I didn't have it."

So, she hasn't made any payments and it's an all too common story for a growing number of hospitals.

Just this week, Norman Regional announced layoffs in part because they overestimated the number of patients that could pay for service.

What many uninsured patients don't realize is that as their medical bills add up, they can look at it like as buying a new car. The number on the bill is like a sticker price and can be negotiated, especially if you pay cash.

You'll have an easier time if you ask questions up front.

Patients are urged to do more research. A Web site by the Oklahoma Hospital Association allows you to research potential cost by procedure and facility.

It's also best to be upfront about your financial situation. You may be referred to a place like Mary Mahoney's. It's where Brewer now gets her care. Uninsured patients are offered a lower price point a sliding scale based on income. Some pay as low as $20. More are coming to Mary Mahoney's. Most are hard workers.

You should direct questions to the business office and keep in mind, Flexibility for hospitals to work with you on cost depends on the balance you owe and your ability to pay. But officials say the bottom line is it's better to ask, than to avoid.

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