How to Make $787 in 15 Minutes…Legally

The other day I stumbled upon something that saved me a lot of money, and while I hope you never need to use this tip, I am sharing it with you in case it can help you or someone you know. 

Some of you know I had a pretty serious “medical incident” occur in June (I am fine now, thanks!). I was recently working through the medical bills from my little one-week vacation at the local hospital. The largest bill was from the hospital. I remembered from previous experience that they had offered a 10% “prompt pay discount” if you pay within 30 days of the bill. I called to see if this was still available, and they confirmed, so I paid. $400 saved. 

Then I called the next largest bill and stated “I am working through my medical bills, trying to decide which ones to pay this month. The hospital just gave me a 10% discount for paying quickly – can you offer that too?” The lady with whom I was speaking put me on hold and asked her boss, then came back and offered me a 25% discount. Yes, more than I asked for. Tough negotiator, you’ve got yourself a deal. $212 saved. 

The group with the next largest bill, without hesitating, offered me a 25% discount right away. Boom! $175 saved. There you go - three calls, 15 minutes, $787 saved. 

A few providers I called did not offer a discount – generally these were the occasions where I was talking to an outsourced billing processor rather than the accounting department of the actual provider. 

This is an “unadvertised sale” that is widely available, but I’d bet most people don’t know to ask for it. These opportunities were not offered on the invoices – I had to call and ask for it. So, spread the word – if you are going to pay your medical bills on time anyway, make sure you ask for a discount.