Скачать или смотреть Unexpected medical bills, can you fight back?

CINCINNATI (Paula Toti) -- A new report said nearly one in three Americans with insurance have been hit with a surprise medical bill. The most common were higher bills or out-of-network rates when a patient thought their hospital was in network. Jeremy Weintraub expected he'd have a scar and some discomfort after his hernia surgery. But the real pain came from this unexpected medical bill for more than 0000. And he's not alone. According to the report nearly one in three Americans with private insurance have been hit with a surprise medical bill. Betsy Imholz from Consumers Union worked on the study and found among the most-common "surprises" were bills for treatments or services that weren't delivered, higher-than-expected bills or in Jeremy's case, being charged an out-of-network rate when his hospital assured him the procedure would be "in" network. Things like that leave Jeremy and many like him with just two options: pay or appeal. But Imholz said most end up paying because they dont know they can appeal. The study found only 3 percent of patients first contacted a nonprofit or consumer assistance organization. Ultimately, Jeremy did complain and his bill was forgiven. But advocates said they need more complaints to truly fix the problem. CLICK HERE for a consumers union list of resources to help people fight back. Follow Paula Toti on Twitter @paulatoti and LIKE her on Facebook