Imagine This…
You’re out on a morning run.
The weather’s perfect. You’re feeling great.
Then suddenly—a car hits you.
You survive. Bruised. A little banged up. But okay.
That’s exactly what happened to Jagdish Whitten, a 25-year-old from San Francisco in July 2023.
Rather than risk a costly ambulance ride, he had friends drive him to the hospital.
Doctors stabilized him. Ran scans. Told him he was okay.
Then came an unexpected twist: they insisted he be transferred by ambulance to another hospital across town.
The cost?
$12,872.99.
For a six-mile ride he didn’t ask for.
Insurance denied part of the claim. Jagdish’s family ended up footing the bill.
Only later—months later—did the ambulance company quietly issue a full refund. An internal audit showed the “critical care” charges didn’t hold up.
This story might seem extreme.
But it’s not rare.
Why Surprise Medical Bills Are Still a Threat
Despite recent laws like the No Surprises Act, ground ambulance rides are not covered under federal protection.
And with roughly 80% of ambulance trips billed out-of-network, patients like Jagdish are routinely stuck with massive, unexpected charges.
This isn’t just frustrating.
It’s financially devastating—especially for business owners, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals who often assume their insurance will cover emergencies.
7 Smart Ways to Protect Yourself (and Your Family)
- Get the Legal Basics in Place
Have your:
– Medical Power of Attorney
– Advance Healthcare Directive
– HIPAA Release Form
These documents allow loved ones or advisors to act quickly and decisively—saving you from unnecessary procedures, transfers, and costs. - Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Maximize your use of:
– Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Triple tax-advantaged and roll over year to year.
– Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Use-it-or-lose-it, but pre-tax.
– Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): Often employer-funded.
These are powerful tools to reduce out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax dollars. - Time Your Medical Expenses Strategically
If your unreimbursed expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI, they’re deductible. Plan ahead. Group elective procedures in one tax year when possible.
Track every expense—from mileage to mental health therapy. - Structure Assets for Protection
If you’re in a high-income bracket, you may be at risk of medical-related collections in a crisis.
We recommend:
– Irrevocable trusts
– LLCs or partnerships
– Asset titling strategies
Pre-emptive planning offers legal separation from personal liability. - Understand Your Insurance Plan
Premiums aren’t the full story.
You need to know:
– Deductible
– Coinsurance
– Copay
– Out-of-pocket maximum
– Network coverage
We work with clients to analyze their policies and align coverage with risk exposure and long-term plans. - Challenge the Bill—Don’t Just Pay It
When that surprise invoice shows up:
– Ask for an itemized bill
– File a formal appeal
– Escalate to regulators if necessary
Many charges—especially for ambulance services—are negotiable.
In Jagdish’s case, a simple audit led to a full refund. But without action? That refund might never have happened. - Run Healthcare Scenarios in Your Plan
Don’t wait for an emergency to test your plan. We build real-life scenarios—ER visits, surgeries, long-term care—into our wealth planning process. We show you how your plan holds up before you need it.
Your health is priceless.
But your financial safety shouldn’t be at the mercy of an outdated, fragmented billing system.
Whether you’re a retiree, a business owner, or managing generational wealth—now is the time to fortify your plan.
Because it’s not just about investing smartly.
It’s about protecting everything you’ve built.
Need Help Reviewing Your Healthcare Risk Exposure?
Schedule a conversation with us.
We’ll walk you through your current plan and show you where the gaps are—before they become costly surprises.
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