A flowchart would be so helpful and could prevent people from feeling overwhelmed by a massive list of resources. Maybe it starts with "Are you insured?" (Yes/No) and moves on from there and you could list the resources under each step.
I had these notes from basic information you provided which should be on your one page:
When you receive a big medical bill DO NOT PAY IT RIGHT AWAY. You have a year to research what the details mean and--if it is unfair--to chase down your options and your people to help you dispute it.
I love this! I recommend simplifying each step with a common formula. Something like:
If XYZ (ie what you already have in bold)
The Resource: XXX
How it can help you: XXX
Once it's written, ask a couple of 5th or 6th graders to read it and explain it back to you. That's the reading level of the average American so will give you a sense if it's understandable.
Both a card and a flyer, with QR codes, would be helpful in different situations.
SHIP-State Health Insurance Assistance Program - unbiased free Medicare assistance. Help screen for financial assistance plans available by state, assist in filing appeals.
Goodbill (helps with bill negotiation - could consider if you make too much to qualify for charity care, does charge 15% of what you saved): https://www.goodbill.com/
Great ideas here. First by Thomas and Dollar for!!!!
On your list, I would love if you would refer to Obamacare as the ACA or the Affordable Care Act. Some people have negative connotations with Obamacare and just may not go down that route if you use that wording.
There are lots of private patient advocates out there who do not work for hospital systems - and remember - those that do always need to have the hospital’s risk management interests in mind. So for private patient advocacy needs - and there are patient advocates who specialize in solving billing issues - people can reach out to:
NAHAC - the national association of healthcare advocates
Or
They can search online for a board certified patient advocates (bcpa) in their area.
Perhaps something about getting on a payment plan if the hospital offers that. It's a concern of mine that we are sent to more specialists than needed for meds that a primary care physician could also prescribe, but this might not be vital enough to go on a one-pager of top items.
This idea is great and would be so useful to share! A terms sheet (or graphic) could be added to help people who are starting at square one understanding bills and their insurance.
For people on Medicare, recommend they ask for help from SHIP nationwide and in the territories. Find the local volunteers at SHIPHELP.ORG. In Washington state, we can help with state and federal assistance for healthcare costs.
A flowchart would be so helpful and could prevent people from feeling overwhelmed by a massive list of resources. Maybe it starts with "Are you insured?" (Yes/No) and moves on from there and you could list the resources under each step.
I had these notes from basic information you provided which should be on your one page:
When you receive a big medical bill DO NOT PAY IT RIGHT AWAY. You have a year to research what the details mean and--if it is unfair--to chase down your options and your people to help you dispute it.
Exactly. As the title of the book says, “Never Pay the First Bill”
I love this! I recommend simplifying each step with a common formula. Something like:
If XYZ (ie what you already have in bold)
The Resource: XXX
How it can help you: XXX
Once it's written, ask a couple of 5th or 6th graders to read it and explain it back to you. That's the reading level of the average American so will give you a sense if it's understandable.
Both a card and a flyer, with QR codes, would be helpful in different situations.
SHIP-State Health Insurance Assistance Program - unbiased free Medicare assistance. Help screen for financial assistance plans available by state, assist in filing appeals.
Hospital price transparency rule: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/hospital-price-transparency
Complaint submission for hospitals not in compliance with price transparency rule: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/hospital-price-transparency/contact-us
Goodbill (helps with bill negotiation - could consider if you make too much to qualify for charity care, does charge 15% of what you saved): https://www.goodbill.com/
Healthcare Bluebook (for price estimates/ranges based on your zipcode, although now not free): https://www.healthcarebluebook.com/explore-home/
Upsolve (nonprofit providing legal counseling for people filing for bankruptcy): https://upsolve.org/
Resource for appealing an insurance decision (internal and external): https://www.healthcare.gov/appeal-insurance-company-decision/
File complaint with state organization for insurance company: https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments
Preventative services covered without cost-sharing (for now...): https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/
Great ideas here. First by Thomas and Dollar for!!!!
On your list, I would love if you would refer to Obamacare as the ACA or the Affordable Care Act. Some people have negative connotations with Obamacare and just may not go down that route if you use that wording.
There are lots of private patient advocates out there who do not work for hospital systems - and remember - those that do always need to have the hospital’s risk management interests in mind. So for private patient advocacy needs - and there are patient advocates who specialize in solving billing issues - people can reach out to:
NAHAC - the national association of healthcare advocates
Or
They can search online for a board certified patient advocates (bcpa) in their area.
Perhaps something about getting on a payment plan if the hospital offers that. It's a concern of mine that we are sent to more specialists than needed for meds that a primary care physician could also prescribe, but this might not be vital enough to go on a one-pager of top items.
Ask to speak to a **financial counselor**, hospital social worker or patient advocate. Most major hospitals have Financial Counseling dept.
This idea is great and would be so useful to share! A terms sheet (or graphic) could be added to help people who are starting at square one understanding bills and their insurance.
For people on Medicare, recommend they ask for help from SHIP nationwide and in the territories. Find the local volunteers at SHIPHELP.ORG. In Washington state, we can help with state and federal assistance for healthcare costs.