Avoid Surprise Medical Bills -- Insure.com Finds 23% Face Unexpected Charges of $2,000+

Rhea-AI Summary

Insure.com reports that 32% of survey respondents received a surprise medical bill this year. Key findings highlight that 47% of these bills stemmed from physician services, 46% from hospitals, and 45% from lab tests. The survey revealed that 23% of such bills exceeded $2,000. To mitigate these unexpected costs, Insure's editorial director, Michelle Megna, recommends confirming provider network participation and obtaining upfront cost estimates. The full report offers insights into scenarios leading to surprise bills and negotiation strategies. Insure.com is part of QuinStreet, a leader in digital marketplace solutions.

Positive

• 32% of survey respondents received surprise medical bills, indicating a significant consumer issue to address.
• Insure.com presents practical advice to reduce surprise medical bills, enhancing consumer trust.
• The survey highlights scenarios for surprise bills, allowing consumers to better prepare.

Negative

• 23% of respondents faced unexpected charges over $2,000, showcasing a concerning trend in healthcare billing.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent Insure.com survey of 1,000 people discovers that nearly one-third (32%) report receiving a surprise medical bill this year. The most frequent reasons for unexpected medical bills include:

• Physician services -- 47%
• Hospital -- 46%
• Lab tests -- 45%
• Imaging -- 33%
• Prescription drugs -- 11%
• Ambulance transport -- 11%

The complete report is available: How to avoid surprise medical bills. Survey respondents indicate that most surprise medical bills are significant, with the following charge amounts reported:

• Less than $500 -- 31%
• $500-$1,000 -- 26%
• $1,001-$2,000 -- 21%
• More than $2,000 -- 23%

"While it's impossible to eliminate all risk of a surprise health insurance bill, there are ways to reduce the likelihood that you'll be charged," explains Insure's editorial director, Michelle Megna. "Confirming in advance that your physician and hospital are part of your network, taking the time to obtain detailed cost estimates up-front, and maintaining notes on billing discussions can help."

Insure researchers highlight seven common scenarios that can result in surprise health care bills and provide clear instructions on steps to take to appeal or negotiate your charges, whether for routine or emergency services.

Megna is available to answer questions about how consumers can work with health care providers to avoid surprise medical bills and can discuss how to get health insurance if you're unemployed.

About Insure
Insure.com is owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNST), a leader in providing performance marketplace technologies and services to the financial services and home services industries. QuinStreet is a pioneer in delivering online marketplace solutions to match searchers with brands in digital media. The company is committed to providing consumers with the information and tools they need to research, find and select the products and brands that meet their needs. Insure is a member of QuinStreet's expert research and publishing division.

For 35 years, Insure has served as a comprehensive consumer resource for insurance information, offering expert advice, articles, news, and tools about car, home, health, and life insurance. Consumers have access to free car insurance quotes and guidance on finding the right insurance policy, saving money and solving claims problems. 

Twitter: @InsureCom 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Insure

Media Contact

Jacqueline Leppla
Senior Director of Public Relations
QuinStreet, Inc

Direct +1 775 321 3608
Email: jleppla@quinstreet.com
LinkedIn

 

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SOURCE Insure.com

FAQ

What percentage of people received surprise medical bills according to the Insure.com survey?

32% of survey respondents reported receiving surprise medical bills.

What are the common sources of surprise medical bills identified in the survey?

The most common sources are physician services (47%), hospitals (46%), and lab tests (45%).

What is the average amount of unexpected medical bills reported in the survey?

31% reported amounts less than $500, while 23% faced bills exceeding $2,000.

Who conducted the survey about surprise medical bills?

The survey was conducted by Insure.com.

What is the stock symbol for QuinStreet, the parent company of Insure.com?

The stock symbol for QuinStreet is QNST.