Free Guides

Plain-English guides for the healthcare maze

Fifteen free guides on appealing denials, cutting bills and drug costs, claiming Social Security and Medicare right, and finding what you're owed.

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Prior Authorization

Insurer Appeals Cheatsheet

A denial isn't the end. The steps to appeal a denied claim — and the citations insurers can't ignore.

Medicare

Medicare Open-Enrollment Checklist

Most people never compare plans. The annual review that keeps you from overpaying on autopilot.

Social Security

When to Claim: Timing One-Pager

Claiming age sets your check for life. See 62 vs. full vs. 70 at a glance — and what to weigh.

Benefits

The Unclaimed-Benefits Checklist

Billions go unclaimed each year. Where help hides — food, Rx, Medicare costs, utilities — and where to start.

Medical Bills

Audit Your Medical Bill

Bills are often wrong. A step-by-step error hunt, the most common overcharges, and how to dispute them.

Prescriptions

Lower Your Prescription Costs

Ways to pay less at the pharmacy — safely — plus the free places to find prescription savings.

Doctor Visits

Make the Most of Your Doctor Visit

Patients forget most of what's said. The questions to ask and records to get — before, during, after.

Choosing a Provider

Vet Your Care

Check a provider's license, credentials, and record — free and public — before your first visit.

Medical Equipment

Don't Overpay for Medical Equipment

Wheelchairs, CPAP, walkers — the price-check steps and coverage basics that stop you overpaying.

Insurance Appeals

How to Appeal a Denied Claim

A denial isn't the end. The steps to challenge it — and the deadlines that decide whether you can.

External Review

The Appeal After the Appeal

When your insurer upholds a denial, an independent reviewer can overrule them — and it is binding.

Surprise Bills

Spot an Illegal Surprise Bill

Federal law bans many surprise out-of-network bills. How to tell if you owe one — and what to do.

Explanation of Benefits

How to Read Your EOB

An EOB isn't a bill. How to read every line — and catch the overcharges hiding in it.

Financial Assistance

How to Get Hospital Charity Care

Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial help — and most never ask. Who qualifies, and how to apply.

Medical Forms

Never Fill the Same Form Twice

Every provider asks the same questions. What to keep on hand to fill any form fast and accurately.

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Educational only — not legal, financial, tax, or medical advice. Healthvocate is an independent commercial service and is not affiliated with CMS, SSA, the VA, or any insurer.