Dispute Your Medical Bill
Medical billing errors affect an estimated 80% of hospital bills. Patients are entitled to itemized statements, have the right to appeal surprise charges, and can challenge any charge that wasn't pre-authorized or explained. The No Surprises Act (2022) and ACA give you powerful tools to fight back.
Success rate: 73% · Average recovered: $1,840 · Time limit: 120 days from statement date (varies by insurer for appeals)
Winning Arguments
- Request an itemized bill — most hospitals overbill when itemization isn't demanded
- Cite the No Surprises Act for out-of-network emergency charges
- Challenge duplicate charges, upcoding, and unbundling
- Invoke your HIPAA right to review all billing records
- Demand insurance coordination review if EOB doesn't match
- Reference ACA internal appeal rights if your insurer denied a claim
Laws That Protect You
- No Surprises Act (2022)
- ACA Appeal Rights
- HIPAA § 164.524
- Fair Health Act (NY)
- CMS Balance Billing Protections
How to Dispute — Step by Step
- Request an itemized statement from the billing department
- Compare each line item to your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
- Identify errors: duplicates, wrong dates, non-received services
- Send the dispute letter to the billing department AND your insurer
- Wait 30 days for written response (required by most states)
- If no response, file with your state insurance commissioner
What to Include in Your Dispute Letter
- Your full name, mailing address, and the account or bill number in question
- A clear statement that you are formally disputing the charge, and the specific reason why
- The law or billing right that supports your position (see the laws listed above)
- Copies — never originals — of receipts, statements, or correspondence as evidence
- A reasonable deadline for a written response, typically 30 days
A well-documented, written dispute that cites the right law puts the burden back on the biller to justify the charge. Keep a copy of everything you send, use certified mail when possible, and follow up in writing if you do not receive a timely response. ContestMyBill generates a letter that does all of this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to dispute a medical bill?Most insurers require appeals within 120–180 days of the EOB date. For balance billing under the No Surprises Act, the deadline is 120 days from the bill date.
Can I dispute a bill after it went to collections?Yes. Under the FDCPA, you can send a debt validation letter within 30 days of first collector contact, and dispute medical debt at any time with the original biller.
Do I need to pay the bill while I dispute it?Generally yes, to protect your credit. But you can request a billing hold while a dispute is pending — document this request in writing.
What if the hospital won't budge?File a complaint with your state insurance commissioner, CMS (for Medicare/Medicaid), or the No Surprises Act helpline at 1-800-985-3059.
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