Even for folks who have good medical insurance, you can wind up with a significant amount of medical bills and medical debt after certain types of events. While you’re not in as much trouble financially as someone that doesn’t have any medical insurance whatsoever, being on the hook for health care costs can get expensive.

Fortunately, there may be a way you can lover your out-of-pocket medical costs: just ask.

Medical business is still business

Just like any other business in your town, physicians rely on the patronage of their customers to keep their practices open and the shingle hung. Also like other businesses, physicians need repeat clients to keep things humming along smoothly.

You might be surprised to find that your doctor is willing to work with you in a number of ways. She may be willing to help work with you on the cost of procedures, for example. In some cases, they may also be willing to reduce the cost of testing or of other health care services.

Understanding the landscape

Insurance works in a very specific way. If your medical insurance plan pays 80 percent of a covered procedure, for example, it doesn’t mean they pay 80 percent of the total bill. It means they pay a set figure – which is 80 percent of what the medical insurance company believes to be “reasonable and customary.”

You can find out what that amount is by talking to your insurance company. Once you find out how much they will pay, you can go to your doctor and ask if they will do the procedure for that amount. In some cases, the doctor will be willing and able to do exactly that.

You won’t save if you don’t ask

Asking your doctor to meet a certain price or even to lower the price to get it closer to what your insurance company will cover is a great way to reduce your medical expenses. Yes, you have to be bold to do it. And no, they don’t have to provide you with a discount. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask and the potential benefit can be significant.

You’re not likely to get a free set of X-rays, and there are some procedures that just require a huge outlay of expense on the doctor’s part. Still, a true professional won’t hesitate to entertain your request, even if the final answer is that they can’t provide you with a discount.