By Ramon R. Lizardo, MDRamon R. Lizardo, MD
Let’s be honest, no one should be going bankrupt over a trip to the hospital.
In the U.S., medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy. Estimates suggest that around 530,000 families file for bankruptcy each year due to medical expenses or lost income from medical issues.
I posted my hospital bill on Friday, and over 300 people reached out in the comments or my DMs with advice, support, and guidance. Thanks to this overwhelming response, I was able begin to ask the right questions, get an itemized bill (because apparently, that’s not standard practice?), and now have a call with hospital executives this week.
Shocking, I know, but it turns out there’s a massive disconnect between the care you receive and the bill you get. Any other industry, this would be considered abuse, fraud, or both.
Just to be clear, I am really not fighting for me anymore. My rage is now bigger than just me.
I’m fighting for the millions of Americans, including over 8 million patients Tele911 covers—many of whom don’t have the time, resources, or sheer willpower to battle a system designed to drain their bank accounts.
