They make it hard to get the money you’re entitled to. Here’s how to get them to pay.

1) Don’t pay if you don’t have a say.
When you purposely see an out-of-network doctor, your plan usually makes it clear that it’ll cost you. But when you have surgery, the hospital chooses the anesthesiologist. If you get that annoying “out-of-network” bill, Flynn says, draft a strongly worded letter stating you had no say about the anesthesiologist—in-network or otherwise—and, therefore, won’t pay any additional fees. “If you don’t have direct control, you are not liable,” Flynn says, adding that this tack is likely to work every time, but few consumers know about it.

2) You may be eligible for more coverage.
Depending on your state, you could be eligible for more benefits than your plan is telling you about. Take Maryland, for instance. Health plans operating there must pay for expensive infertility coverage. But one state over, in Virginia, they don’t. It’s unlikely that your plan is trumpeting info about state-mandated coverage, though. It’s up to you to get the scoop. One good place to check is Families USA (www.familiesusa.org), a consumer group that keeps tabs on state rules, suggests Kevin Lembo, Connecticut’s official health care advocate for consumers. Another option: Contact your state’s insurance commissioner.

3) To get tested, talk up your symptoms.

4) Stall first, answer questions later.

5) Letters are your best bet.

6) Doctors can be good weapons.

7) A little research can go a long way.

There are ways to get drugs cheaper.

9) An advocate can help you win.

This list has been severely abridged. To read the full list and full descriptions, view the original post at it’s source:

Nine Secrets Health Insurers Don’t Want You to Know (Health.com)