I reached out to AHN to set up payment arrangements for a medical bill I told them I can afford a certain amount they said that wont accept that they want me to pay a certain amount according to there system. anyone else have this issue with AHN?
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I do not have experience with this but having listened to Clark for years here is my suggestion.
Assuming we are talking about Allegheny Health Network, a large nonprofit health system headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Make sure the bill is right:
- Ask for an itemized bill and verify charges.
- Review the bill for Accuracy, consider AI or a service if it’s real high.
Talk to someone else outside of Billing
- As is there is a financial Advocate that you can speak with, remember many hospitals are supposed to be nonprofit. (Like we really believe that)
- Ask whether you qualify for financial assistance, hardship programs, or charity care.
- Get any payment agreement in writing
I also found this
1. Financial Assistance Programs (Charity Care)
Most Pennsylvania nonprofit hospitals are required to have and publicize financial assistance programs that provide free or discounted care to eligible patients. If your income qualifies, you may be able to reduce the bill before negotiating a payment plan.
2. Nonprofit Hospital Collection Restrictions
Nonprofit hospitals must generally make reasonable efforts to determine whether you qualify for financial assistance before taking certain aggressive collection actions.
See
I would also consider that you will be contacting your congressman because of Pending Pennsylvania Medical Debt Legislation.
- HB 79 addresses hospital-based financial assistance requirements.
- SB 371 (Medical Debt Collection Protection Act) includes provisions related to payment plans and collection protections, but it is proposed legislation and not necessarily current law.
Good Luck
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