Emergency medical services can be expensive, and navigating the billing process can be challenging. For example, the average air ambulance flight from the Caribbean can cost as much as $24,000.1 Emergency medical transportation can be influenced by factors such as distance, the level of medical care provided, and the type of transportation.
If you’re a MASA member, your coverage can shield you from emergency medical transportation bills. But what about those other medical bills? We’ve created a guide to help you understand how medical billing works and what you can do to help lower or eliminate those costs. Here’s how you can approach negotiating medical bills.
Prepare your strategy:
Review your bill carefully
Thoroughly review your bill to ensure all charges are accurate. Look for and note any errors on your bill, such as duplicate charges or services that were not provided.
Check your insurance coverage
Before negotiating, understand what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Reach out to your insurance company to confirm the details of your coverage and determine how much of the bill they will pay. You can contact most insurance companies via their toll-free customer service phone number, their app, or their online portal. Carefully compare your bill to your insurer’s policy documentation, such as explanation of benefits (EOB), and note any discrepancies.
Contact the service provider
Speak with the ambulance company or emergency medical provider directly. Request an itemized statement and ask about their policy on negotiating bills.
Research comparable prices
Contact other local providers and ask what they charge to find comparable prices.
Now, you’re ready to negotiate:
Negotiate the amount
Be polite but firm. If you can pay promptly, offer to pay a lump sum that is lower than the total amount due or request a discount, though keep in mind that private healthcare providers are typically more amenable to negotiation than public healthcare institutions, who often have set fee structures and less flexibility in billing.
Advice from our MASA claims team
Consumers can maybe receive a discount if they choose to self-pay — which is when you pay the provider directly without involving a health insurance company. Most providers often put consumers on an installment plan. Some providers will offer to take a percentage off the bill, especially for larger bills. Providers typically do not fully dismiss the bill, so you’ll always have to pay a portion.
Appeal and dispute
If your initial attempts at negotiation are unsuccessful, consider filing a formal appeal or dispute. Provide evidence of any errors or issues with your billing and submit a written appeal to the provider or insurance company.
Need financial aid?
Seek financial assistance through charity programs
Hospitals and ambulance services sometimes have charity care programs or sliding scale fees based on income.
Research non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charitable organizations operating in your area. They may provide financial aid or support for medical expenses.
Tap into other government resources
You’ll also want to contact your island’s health ministry or consumer protection agency to find out if there are consumer protection laws that might impact medical billing and negotiations in your area, or if there are local programs that offer financial assistance.
Skills and tools you can rely on
Negotiating emergency medical claims can be a viable option for reducing the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies. By closely reviewing your bill, understanding your insurance coverage, and directly engaging with service providers, you may be able to lower your expenses or arrange a manageable payment plan.
And remember, if you’re a MASA member, you already have the most useful tool you can have to ensure your protected from out-of-pocket emergency medical transportation costs. Your MASA coverage protects you from unexpected ambulance bills and connects you with care services for your post-emergency needs. When you receive your medical transit bill, skip the negotiation steps and submit it through our member portal, then we’ll pay your claim.
1: MASA Internal Data, Updated August 2024