What To Do If A Medical Bill Triggers Sticker Shock?
The Wall Street Journal suggests that consumers should negotiate medical costs, question charges and move quickly to resolve disputes or arrange payment plans. In another story, the Journal notes a trend in which consumers appear less anxious for the latest treatment or medical technology when it also is the most expensive.
The Wall Street Journal:
How To Handle A Large, Unexpected Medical Bill
These days, not only are health-care costs climbing but individuals also often are bearing a greater portion of their medical bills than before, as many insurers cut back on payments and more companies expect employees to pay higher deductibles and copays.Meanwhile, many people don’t have sufficient emergency funds to pay for an unanticipated medical expense. ... Against this backdrop, advisers such as Mr. Van Zutphen (who successfully negotiated a 25% reduction on his long-ago bill) are encouraging clients to negotiate medical costs, question charges and move quickly to resolve disputes or arrange payment plans. (Dagher, 8/15)
The Wall Street Journal:
The New Innovator’s Dilemma: When Customers Won’t Pay For Better
Danish drug giant Novo Nordisk is living through a corporate nightmare that any CEO might recognize from business school. After the company concentrated on making essentially one product better and better—and charging more and more—customers have suddenly stopped paying for all that improvement. The established versions are, well, good enough. (Roland, 8/15)
