Challenge incorrect, inflated, or surprise medical bills using the No Surprises Act and state balance billing protections. Illinois residents are protected by the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505/1). Private right of action.
815 ILCS 505/1
Call the billing department and request a detailed itemized bill with CPT codes. 80% of medical bills contain errors — you need the detail to find them.
Check your insurance company's Explanation of Benefits. Compare what was billed vs what insurance approved. Look for charges insurance already covered.
Look for: duplicate charges, unbundling (charging separately for items usually billed together), upcoding (billing a more expensive procedure than performed), charges for services not received.
If you received an out-of-network bill at an in-network facility, or a surprise emergency room bill, the No Surprises Act protects you. You can only be charged in-network rates.
Write to the billing department citing specific errors and the relevant law (No Surprises Act, state balance billing law). Include your itemized bill markup showing the errors.
Even if the bill is technically correct, hospitals routinely accept 40-60% of the billed amount. Ask for a hardship discount or payment plan. Request their financial assistance policy.