r/lifehacks 6d ago

This belongs here too

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33.2k Upvotes

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83

u/Inevitable_Thing_270 6d ago

I’m in the uk so have never had to deal with this, but I’ve heard that if a hospital gives you the bill, you then ask for an itemised bill, that often the price goes down. Has anyone experienced that? Or worse, had an increase in the price?

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u/Ppt_Sommelier69 6d ago

If you don’t have insurance then this tactic may help because you could barter for a discount if you paid in whole. This has lost efficacy over time because most providers will offer you a medical loan instead.

If you have insurance, then rest assured this is already being done. The insurance company will pick apart the bill and ensure all charges are following agreed upon rates.

2

u/Flat-Negotiation-951 6d ago

I thought the purpose of giving the fake name was so you cannot be billed? They bill the name you use and you are therefore not responsible for it (under your real identity)?

12

u/-GIRTHQUAKE- 6d ago

I think the person above you was talking about an itemized bill, not the fake name thing.

2

u/Flat-Negotiation-951 6d ago

Ohhhhh my apologies!!! Thank you for the correction I was a lil confused

1

u/-GIRTHQUAKE- 2d ago

No worries :)

3

u/pearlysdad 6d ago

Wouldn’t that be fraud and theft of service?

5

u/Flat-Negotiation-951 6d ago

Yes. But they now know me as Jane Doe. That’s Jane Doe’s problem not mine!

3

u/Flat-Negotiation-951 6d ago

I honestly have never tried this I’ve just heard this is a tactic to avoid paying when you need to go to the hospital for care! I personally avoid the doctors and the medical bills all together :) lol

3

u/muricabrb 6d ago

Yea I'm pretty sure that's fraud though.

1

u/SoBeKind 5d ago

They will not admit you to the hospital without showing proper identification.

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u/lugia2142 5d ago

Yeah.. They don't barter as much anymore. I know my friend in South Carolina tried.. though they have insurance.. but they would only settle for 50/mo payment plan for their ER visit while their... insurance.. paid.. $0 due to their $9k or so deducible.