Learn

Plain-English guides to a system built to be hard to read

No jargon, no filler. Just what your bill means, what you're owed, and how to push back.

The basics

How to read your hospital bill (and spot the errors most people miss)

A plain-English guide to CPT codes, itemized statements, and the five billing errors that show up again and again.

8 min read

Itemized bills: how to demand one and what to look for

The summary bill hides the detail. Here's how to get the line-by-line version and read it like an auditor.

6 min read

EOB vs. bill: how to tell if you're being double-charged

Your insurer's Explanation of Benefits and the provider's bill should agree. When they don't, that's your opening.

6 min read

Your rights

Charity care: the financial assistance nonprofit hospitals must offer, and rarely mention

Section 501(r) requires nonprofit hospitals to run a financial assistance program. Who qualifies, and how to actually apply.

7 min read

The No Surprises Act, in plain English

The 2022 federal law that bans most surprise bills for emergency care and out-of-network providers you didn't choose.

6 min read

When things go wrong

What to do when a medical bill goes to collections

Medical debt is treated differently from other debt. Your rights under the FDCPA, and the moves that protect you.

7 min read