Updated January 07, 2015.

If you are uninsured or about to lose your health coverage, you may want to try negotiating with your healthcare provider to lower the cost of your care. It's probably the easiest thing you can do to reduce your healthcare spending. Here are some tips on broaching the subject:

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Minimal

Here's How:

1. Talk To the Right Person - Some larger healthcare organizations have a separate billing department, or may outsource their medical billing entirely. The individuals directly responsible for billing may not have the decisionmaking authority to offer you any type of discount. You may be better off speaking with your physician or nurse directly, or asking the receptionist who the best person for you to approach would be.

1. Don't Be Shy - Please don't think that you are the first and only person to ask for financial assistance with the cost of your healthcare. Many people do, especially in difficult economic times. And unfortunately, your doctor is not going to spontaneously offer you a discount - you don't get what you don't ask for. So don't be shy - at worst, the answer will be no.
2. Don't Be Presumptuous - At the same time, don't approach your provider with expectations or demands. They are not required to offer you free or discounted care just because you need it. This is a favor they're doing for you as a patient they care for. Be polite and ask nicely. You might be surprised by the results.
3. Be Direct - This is especially true if you are speaking with your provider, who is surely busy. Don't hem and haw, or wait until after you lose your coverage. Calmly explain to him or her exactly what is going on, and what kind of assistance you might need.
4. Remember That Beggars Can't Be Choosers - If you anticipate losing your job, you may try to make an appointment with the doctor before your insurance expires, only to discover that there are no open slots. This is not a good time to panic or berate the receptionist. Just ask if you can be placed on a waiting list for cancellations. You will build goodwill with your provider, and they may be more inclined to give you a discount.

1. Don't Forget to Say Thank You! - Again, building and maintaining a good relationship with your provider's office makes asking for financial help easier. Always be polite with the staff, and don't forget to thank them for their assistance. If they go out of their way to accommodate you or offer you a discount, you may want to consider sending a card or a small gift like cookies or flowers.