15 guides
Health care cost guides
Plain-English guides to health insurance and medical bills. Not medical advice; in an emergency, call 911. We don't earn referral fees from insurers or pharmacies.
Choose and use your plan
Deductibles, HSAs and FSAs, choosing a plan and networks.
- Deductibles, coinsurance and the out-of-pocket maximum
The four numbers that decide what you actually pay.
- HSAs and FSAs, explained
Pre-tax money for medical costs, with different rules.
- How to choose a health plan
Compare the total cost for the care you expect, not just the premium.
- Staying in network
Out-of-network care can cost much more.
Pay less for care
Free preventive care, urgent care, prescriptions and telehealth.
- Free preventive care
Many screenings and vaccines cost nothing in network.
- Urgent care, the ER, or telehealth?
The right place for the problem, and the bill.
- Paying less for prescriptions
Generics, 90-day supplies and comparing prices.
- Telehealth and nurse lines
Often cheaper, and faster, for the right problems.
Check your bills
EOBs, billing errors, financial assistance and payment plans.
- How to read your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
It's not a bill, but it tells you what you should owe.
- Check your medical bill before you pay
Ask for an itemized bill, then compare.
- Hospital financial assistance (charity care)
Many hospitals must offer it. Few people ask.
- Payment plans and negotiating a bill
Ask before it goes to collections.
Know your rights
Surprise bills, appeals and medical debt.
- Surprise bills and the No Surprises Act
Protection from many surprise out-of-network bills.
- Appealing a denied claim
You have the right to ask your insurer to reconsider.
- Medical debt and your credit
Rules changed recently. Know where you stand.