Half of patients with high-deductible health plans said they have received a surprise medical bill, according to a survey from Akasa, a revenue cycle firm that uses artificial intelligence.
More than 2,000 Americans were asked, "A surprise medical bill is a term commonly used to describe charges arising when an insured individual inadvertently receives care from an out-of-network physician. Have you ever received a surprise medical bill?" YouGov conducted the survey, commissioned by Akasa, from March 9-14, according to a Jan. 19 news release from the firm.
Four findings:
1. Fifty percent of patients surveyed with employer-sponsored HDHPs said they have received a surprise medical bill.
2. Fifty-three percent of those with HDHPs said they have received medical bills that did not match up with price estimates provided.
3. Thirty-four percent of those with HDHPs said they have been harassed by a medical debt collector.
4. Forty-four percent of those with HDHPs said they have experienced financial hardship from medical bills.