Tips to negotiate for lower health care costs

Haggling for health care? Yep, it may be one of the best-keep secrets for frugal-minded consumers looking to save some cold, hard cash with their doctors, dentists and hospitals.

While negotiating for health care is a trend, many consumers don't know they even have the option. According to a recent poll conducted by Angie's List, 57 percent revealed that they never negotiated with their doctors and 25 percent said they had no clue it was a viable alternative.

Most important, a majority of those who did reach out for discounts were able to save, with 74 percent of respondents paying less when they approached their health-care provider. Based on those who did score discounts, here's the savings breakdown: 40 percent on medical bills, 31 percent with hospitals and 18 percent on dental bills.

Not insured or have a high deductible? No problem. Some people have saved up to 50 percent on procedures with their health-care provider by paying upfront and in full. For those who are insured, it's still possible to negotiate costs not covered by your provider.

Also, some people have zeroed in on savings by scanning their medical bill for errors. In fact, some consumer advocates suggest that 80 percent of medical bills contain errors.

Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, serves up some savings tips for those looking to save on their health care costs.

Need to see the doctor? Find reviews on the best doctors in your area at Angie’s List here.

Debate regarding health care reform heats up

As President Barack Obama calls for an overhaul of the current health care systems, big health insurers are upping their lobbying money in opposition.

According to a report filed last month, the five largest insurers and an association of approximately 1,300 insurers under “America’s Health Insurance Plans” spent more than $6.4 million on first quarter lobbying. Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for the group, claims the 12-percent increase from last year is simply the group “putting all our resources behind building support of comprehensive health care reform.”

Obama's proposal aims to expand health care coverage in the form of government provided plans similar to Medicare, especially for children, low income citizens and the unemployed. Opposition to the bill claims the competition amongst their plans and government sponsored plans will actually make it harder to reform the current system and will be costly.

As Massachusetts struggles to finance its statewide health care bill, serious concerns arise on how to fund the estimated $1.5 trillion that will be necessary to cover the 47 million uninsured Americans over the next ten years.

Consumer United offers access to Massachusetts Individual and Family Health plans for those not qualifying for state-subsidized insurance or employer-sponsored plans. For a free quote or more information, click here.

--Lana Petersson