Ever been surprised at the jaw-dropping "Amount You Owe" line on a medical bill? Even seemingly basic health care services can wind up costing you a lot, and it's more than a little discouraging when the "Amount Paid By Your Insurance" is zero because you have yet to meet your deductible.
Twenty percent of working-age Americans with health insurance had problems paying medical bills in the past year, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation/New York Times survey. About a quarter of those reported they had received unexpected claim denials; even more reported they had been surprised to learn that, when the bill arrived, they had inadvertently received care from an out-of-network provider. What's a consumer to do? In Chey Scott's cover story, she explores what an unexpected medical bill meant for a local family, as well as ways to choose the coverage that fits your needs.
We hope you already have a favorite place to pick up your copy of InHealth, but did you know the magazine is available in hundreds of locations throughout the Inland Northwest, including grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness clubs and health clinics? It's always online at Inlander.com/inhealth, as well. And starting this month, you can stay up to date by checking out our weekly blog at Inlander.com, where we'll offer health news, wellness tips and community event previews. Watch for it every Wednesday.
Be informed. Live well.
