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    Surprise medical billing resources

    If you’ve received a surprise medical bill, these resources can help you understand your plan coverage and learn about your options. And we’re always here to help.

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    Learn what you can do about surprise costs

     

     

    Some reasons for surprise bills

    Some reasons for surprise bills

    Your first step to avoid a surprise bill is to understand your plan coverage and costs. But even if you feel you followed your plan’s guidance, you may still receive a bill with charges you didn’t expect.

     

    Common reasons for a surprise bill:

     

    • You got lab work at an out-of-network facility. 
    • You received a service that was only partially covered under your plan.
    • You had surgery at a network facility, but some services related to that procedure — like lab work, ambulance transportation or anesthesiology services — were out of network. 
    • You have a deductible to meet before a service is covered.  

    We’re here to help. Just call us at the number on your member ID card, and we can walk through these charges together.

     

    Tips to avoid surprise costs

     

    Set aside time to get to know your plan coverage and costs. You can also use your Aetna® member website to find participating providers and estimate care costs.

     

    6 tips to avoid surprise medical bills

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    You have options

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    You have options

    If you’ve been billed charges that you feel aren’t valid, you have options.

     

    Learn your rights and how you’re protected

     

    As an Aetna® member, you have the right to certain information from us and the health care professionals who care for you. You also have the responsibility to know how your plan works and to communicate with your doctor about your care.

     

    Your rights and responsibilities

     

    Learn what steps to take next

     

    You are your most powerful advocate. So if you see a bill with a charge that doesn’t look correct, you have the right to ask about it.

     

    3 steps to take:

     

    1. Review your bill. Ask the provider for an itemized statement to easily review charges. 
    2. Talk to your provider. Inquire about charges that don’t look correct.
    3. Call us. In some cases, it may just be a billing error.

     

    More help is available 

     

    You’re entitled to protection from your state, the federal government and outside organizations. And in some cases, you may only be responsible for your plan deductible, copay or coinsurance. 

     

    Get help filing a complaint, grievance or appeal

     

    Get help appealing a denied claim

     

    Important plan disclosures

     

    Resources for your state

    Helpful resources to avoid surprise costs

    Helpful resources to avoid surprise costs

    We’ve put together tips and information to keep in mind every time you go for care. 

     

    Save money by staying in network

     

    Maybe you’ve heard staying in network saves money, but you don’t know why. Or maybe your plan covers out-of-network care, but you’re not sure of the cost. This explanation can help.

     

    Learn about in-network and out-of-network care

     

    Know before you go

     

    Your doctor can refer you for tests and screenings to help you stay healthy. But this care may not always be covered or in network. Or you may need approval from us. This guide can help you avoid surprises. 

     

    Procedure authorization guide (PDF)

     

    Learn about emergency care coverage

     

    Even though your plan covers emergency care, some services related to that care — like an ambulance ride or an MRI scan — may be performed by noncontracted providers, which can bring surprise costs. These FAQs can help you prepare. 

     

    Emergency care FAQs

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    Take charge of your costs

     

    These tools and resources can help you be proactive about your care, which can help you keep your costs more affordable.

     
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    Find network providers

    It’s easy to find providers who participate in our network — like doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, labs and urgent care centers.

     

    Provider search tool

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    Compare and estimate costs

    Compare costs for over 650 medical tests, services and procedures, and get an estimate based on your plan. And find average network and out-of-network costs for tests, procedures, ER visits and more.

     

    Cost estimator tool

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    Learn health care terms

    Explore some of the terms and phrases you might come across on your health care journey, so you can stay informed.

     

    Health care glossary

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    Legal notices

    Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).

    Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.