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You're listening to LifeKit from NPR.

Hey, it's Mariel. I have gotten a number of surprise medical bills in my life,

more than I can count on one hand. Bills for services that I expected my insurance to cover.

And every time my emotional response has been rage, rage, because now now I have homework to do. Rage, because now I have to

dig up my insurance card and call people on the phone and wait on hold while they look into the matter.

Rage because the bill says due upon receipt and it feels like the clock is ticking. Rage,

because I had other plans for my lunch break.

Rage because why is our health care system like this? I say all this because I want to acknowledge

if you feel rage or frustration or exhaustion or any of the above when you're dealing with

medical billing and insurance bureaucracy, that is understandable. And when you're dealing with medical billing and insurance bureaucracy,

that is understandable.

And when you're ready, we have advice for you.

Specifically, we have advice on what to do when you get a medical bill for something that should have been covered by your insurance as preventative care.

Reporter Jackie Fortier has been covering this topic for a KFF Health News and NPR project

called Healthcare Helpline.

And on this episode of Life Kit, she's going to talk us through some tips so you'll know

who to call, what to say, and what information you need to appeal a health insurance

denial like this.

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