"Surgeon General's Experience Offers Insights on Medical Bill Assistance"

Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams received a nearly $5,000 emergency room hospital bill for a dehydration-related visit, sparking a conversation about inflated medical costs. Medical bills are a leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with adults owing at least $195 billion in medical debt. Adams advises people to request itemized bills, research and dispute charges, and consider hiring companies like Goodbill and Resolve to help navigate the legal system. HealthLock, a service that monitors medical bills, can also help identify potential errors or overbilling. Adams continues to dispute his bill, hoping for a positive resolution with the Mayo Clinic, while the clinic emphasizes its commitment to providing high-quality care without financial obstacles.