Lessons from “wrestling with a giant”

The ER visit was quick and uneventful. The bill was $1,300. Our listener decided to push back. He didn't win, but he learned a lot — and so did we. We had help, from an expert we met by visiting a Renaissance Fair — which we did in this very fun early episode. Kaelyn Globig, head of advocacy for the Rescu Foundation, is a medical-bill wizard, and no one has taught us more.In this story, she teaches us how to find out what Medicare pays for a given procedure — here’s the guide she shared with us — and how to use that information. We also got advice on dealing with debt collectors — when it makes sense to file a dispute — from April Kuenhoff, an attorney with the National Consumer Law Center. She shared resources too. Here are sample letters — templates you can edit:To tell a debt collector that you are disputing a charge. To demand verification of a debt they say you oweTo limit their legal right to harass you. Here’s a transcript of the episode. Send your stories and questions. Or call 724 ARM-N-LEG.And of course we’d love for you to support this show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.