261. Save Money on Medical Bills and Navigate Health Insurance Like a Pro with Dan Weissmann

Healthcare in America shouldn’t feel like a rigged game––but too often it does. Leaving many people feeling swindled by confusing insurance plans, surprise medical bills, and endless fine print. To help navigate this complex system, I'm joined by Dan Weissmann, journalist and host of the NPR podcast An Arm and a Leg. Dan explains why U.S. healthcare feels broken––and how to get the most out of a flawed system. He'll share strategies to protect your finances and well-being, from selecting the right health insurance during open enrollment to identifying billing errors, challenging unfair charges, and saving hundreds on prescriptions. Dan’s links: Website: https://armandalegshow.com To get more resources including any freebies mentioned in this episode, head to https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod 00:00 Intro 01:15 Why Healthcare Is So Expensive 03:00 The System Is Confusing by Design 06:00 Understanding What You Actually Owe 08:30 What To Do When You Get a Medical Bill 10:45 How To Talk to Your Insurance Company 13:00 The Hidden Traps in High-Deductible Plans 15:30 Should You Pay Your Bill Right Away? 18:00 How Medical Debt Affects Your Credit 20:15 How To Negotiate a Medical Bill 22:00 What To Do If You Can’t Afford Care 24:30 The Emotional Cost of Healthcare 27:00 Why Women Carry More Medical Debt 30:00 The Future of Healthcare Transparency 33:00 The Wildest Story From An Arm and a Leg 36:00 How To Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate 38:00 How To Find a Fair Price for Care 41:00 Quick Wins To Save on Medical Costs 43:00 What True Financial Wellness Means 44:00 Outro + Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices