How to Lower Your Ultrasound Costs Under the ACA

If you’ve recently received a hefty bill for an ultrasound procedure, you’re not alone. Many people are surprised by the high cost of medical imaging, even if they have health insurance.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance plans are required to cover certain preventive services, including ultrasound screenings for women. However, there are some circumstances in which you may still have to pay for an ultrasound, such as if you’re having the procedure done for a non-preventive reason.

What is the ACA?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a health care reform law designed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for all Americans.

The ACA requires health insurance plans to cover certain preventive services, including ultrasound screenings for women.

Even if you have health insurance, you may still have to pay for an ultrasound if you’re having the procedure done for a non-preventive reason. For example, if you’re having an ultrasound to look for ovarian cysts, you may have to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket.

There are a few things you can do to try to reduce the cost of your ultrasound:

Shop around for the best price. Not all hospitals and imaging centers charge the same price for ultrasounds.
Ask about discounts. Many hospitals and imaging centers offer discounts for patients who pay for their procedures in cash or who have a high-deductible health plan.
Use a health savings account (HSA). HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that you can use to pay for medical expenses, including ultrasounds.
Consider getting a second opinion. If you’re not sure if you need an ultrasound, you can get a second opinion from another doctor. This can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

If you’re having trouble paying for your ultrasound, you can contact your health insurance company to see if you qualify for financial assistance.

You may also be able to get help from a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to people who are struggling to pay for medical expenses.

Don’t let the cost of an ultrasound deter you from getting the care you need. There are ways to reduce the cost of this procedure, and you should never have to go without necessary medical care because of financial concerns.