Health care debt is a persistent financial problem for many: More than 100 million Americans are estimated to owe money due to health-related bills. But according to a new study published in the Jama Health Forum, there’s a simple way to help ease the financial burden of medical debt: making a phone call.
Most people who reached out to a billing office reported “financial relief, bill corrections, or better understanding of the bill,” the study found. Selected from the Understanding America Study, 1,135 adults from across the U.S. were surveyed, with 1 in 5 respondents replying that they had received a medical bill in the prior 12 months that they either did not agree with or could not afford.
Of those who had received a problematic bill and contacted a billing office, most received positive results; 25.7% reported bill corrections, 18.2% reached a better understanding of their bill, 15.5% got set up on a payment plan, 15.2% were given a price drop, 8.1% were able to get financial assistance, and 7.3% received a cancellation of their bill. Some respondents reported multiple outcomes, per a press release from the USC Schaeffer Center.
Based on the findings, making a call — being that squeaky wheel — could help patients lower or better understand their medical debt. “Many people are hesitant to pick up the phone to question the accuracy of a problematic medical bill or explore financial options, but our findings indicate it’s worthwhile and typically takes less than one hour,” lead study author Erin L. Duffy said in a statement.
The majority of people who contacted a billing office did so by phone, with most respondents expressing that they were comfortable communicating with representatives and were treated with respect. For many, making the call took less than an hour and made a meaningful difference, according to researchers.
The respondents who did not reach out about their bills were asked why, with 86.1% responding that they didn’t think their effort would make a difference. Researchers reported that those without a college degree, having lower financial literacy, and the uninsured were less likely to reach out to billing offices.
Study findings noted that “differences in self-advocacy may be exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities in medical debt burden,” as those with lower levels of education and financial knowledge and the uninsured were less likely to advocate for themselves. Personality type also made a difference — researchers found that those who were more extroverted and had a less “agreeable” personality type, based on the Big Five Personality Test, were more likely to reach out about medical bill issues.
In an editorial for The Conversation, Duffy explains that while some progress has been made in medical care price transparency, as well as to policies and practices that reduce the burden of accessing financial aid or provide tools that help navigate medical bills, the system still needs improving.
Another study published in March looked into a random sample of 670 U.S. hospitals and found that 87% of them offered payment plans, but only 22% had plan details on their websites. In yet another paper, researchers who called in as “secret shoppers” looking for health care services found that information, while available, was difficult to access.
So although it may feel uncomfortable, as things are, you may have to do some of the work yourself.
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“Current health care billing practices generally require patients to practice a lot of self-advocacy, and those who cannot self-advocate well are missing opportunities for financial relief,” Trish said in the USC release. “Simpler billing processes and more transparency about financial options could make the system work better for patients.”
Whether it’s because you don’t understand your bill, there’s a billing mistake, or you need financial aid or a payment plan, making a phone call could get you the help you seek. If you can’t work up the courage to do it, Trish advises turning to an extroverted or less “agreeable” person you trust to do it for you.
Take the pro tip — make the call.
Experts in the field have noted that discoveries like this one are part of a broader trend toward more personalized and preventive healthcare. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease and wellness, researchers can develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms. This shift in approach has the potential to transform healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for patients across a wide range of conditions, from chronic illnesses to acute infections and everything in between.
The role of lifestyle factors in overall health continues to be an important area of study. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and strong social connections all contribute to better health outcomes. As our understanding of these relationships deepens, public health campaigns and community programs are increasingly focused on creating environments that make healthy choices easier and more accessible for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location.
Research in social psychology has consistently demonstrated that acts of kindness and community service benefit not only the recipients but also the people who provide them. Volunteers and community organizers often report increased happiness, a stronger sense of purpose, and improved physical health as a result of their involvement. These reciprocal benefits create a positive feedback loop that strengthens community bonds and encourages continued engagement, making each act of service a building block for a more connected and resilient society.
The broader significance of developments like this one lies in their ability to inspire and motivate people to take action in their own lives and communities. Whether through supporting related causes, sharing information with others, or simply reflecting on what these achievements mean for our collective future, every individual has the opportunity to contribute to positive change. The stories that capture our attention and imagination serve as reminders that progress is not inevitable but rather the result of dedicated effort, creative thinking, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
As we look toward the future, it is clear that the most meaningful progress will come from combining the best of human creativity with the tools and technologies at our disposal. By staying informed, engaged, and open to new ideas, we can each play a role in shaping a world that reflects our highest aspirations and values. The journey toward a better future is not always straightforward, but stories like this one remind us that every step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the larger arc of human progress and possibility.
