Getting a statement from your insurance company can feel like trying to read a foreign language. What is an EOB? Why does it say, "This is not a bill?" And most importantly, what do you actually owe?

Melody Mulaik demystifies the Explanation of Benefits (EOB). She walks you through, step-by-step, how to find your EOBs on your insurer's website and how to read them line by line. You'll learn the difference between the "amount billed" and the "member rate," how to track your deductible, and what co-insurance really means for your wallet.

Stop guessing and feeling anxious about medical bills. This episode gives you the tools to confidently validate every bill you receive from a provider and ensure you're only paying what you truly owe.

Featured Topics:

• What an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is and how to find it on your insurance company's website.
• Understanding the key terms on your EOB, like deductible, copay, and co-insurance.
• A line-by-line guide to reading your EOB, including the "amount billed," "member rate," and "your responsibility".
• How to find "remark codes" to understand why a claim might not have been paid and what your next steps should be.

What You’ll Hear:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Why you must validate what you owe for a service.
• [00:01:00] How to find your "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB) on your insurer's website.
• [00:02:00] Understanding the EOB summary: "This is not a bill" and tracking your deductible.
• [00:03:00] Defining key terms: Co-insurance vs. Copay.
• [00:04:00] Breaking down the EOB columns: Service descriptions, CPT codes, and Amount Billed.
• [00:05:00] Finding your true cost: Understanding the "Member Rate," what's applied to your deductible, and your co-insurance.
• [00:06:00] A real-world example of how co-insurance is calculated.
• [00:07:00] What to do if a claim isn't paid: Finding and reading "remark codes".
• [00:08:00] How to use the EOB to validate any bill you receive from a provider.

Want to Ask Melody? Visit: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If you've ever stared at a medical bill and an "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB) and had no idea if you actually owe that amount, this episode is a must-listen.

Expecting a baby is an exciting time, but the financial paperwork can be confusing. When Caroline’s OB-GYN handed her a financial agreement for a “global billing package,” she wasn’t sure what it meant for her costs.

In this episode, Melody breaks down exactly what a maternity global package is and why it’s used. Learn the critical steps to verify the cost with your insurance, what questions to ask about included and excluded services, and how to make sure you don't get hit with unexpected fees from the hospital. This is your guide to financially preparing for your new arrival with confidence.

Featured Topics:

• What is a global billing package for maternity care?
• How to verify the amount your doctor is asking for with your insurance plan.
• Understanding what services are typically included and excluded from the package.
• How to clarify potential hospital fees vs. physician fees to avoid surprises.

What You’ll Hear:

• [00:40] What is a Global Package?
• [01:05] Step 1: Check Your Insurance Benefits for Maternity Care.
• [01:48] What to Do When Your Doctor’s Bill and Insurance Don’t Match.
• [02:45] Step 2: Understand What's Included vs. Not Included.
• [03:20] Step 3: Ask About Additional Hospital Fees.
• [03:55] Final Takeaways for Financial Planning.

Want to Ask Melody? Visit: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If you're expecting and have received a financial agreement from your OB-GYN for a "global billing package," this episode is a must-listen.

Choosing a health insurance plan can be one of the most confusing and stressful decisions you make all year. Whether you're aging off your parents' plan, starting a new job, or navigating open enrollment, that list of options can feel overwhelming.

In the Take Care Together series, Melody Mulaik is joined by her daughter, Ashley, to break down the process from two different generational perspectives. They demystify the confusing jargon, explain the real-world differences between plan types, and give you a practical framework to help you stop guessing and confidently choose the plan that's actually right for your life and your finances.

Featured Topics: 

• Defines key financial terms like deductibles, copays, and co-insurance so you understand what you will actually pay.
• Explains the major differences between HMO and PPO plans, including the importance of networks and referrals.
• Melody and Ashley share their personal decision-making processes, balancing known health needs against potential "what-if" scenarios like hospitalization.

What You’ll Hear:

• [00:02:00] Why is money for insurance already coming out of my paycheck?
• [00:06:00] Decoding the Dollars: What Do These Terms Mean?
• [00:11:00] In-Network vs. Out-of-Network. 
• [00:13:00] The Big Decision: HMO vs. PPO
• [00:18:00] It's Personal: How We Choose Our Plans
• [00:25:00] Final Takeaways

Want to Ask Melody? Visit: https://takecarepod.com. Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If you're starting a new job, aging off your parents' plan, or just confused by terms like "deductible," "HMO," and "PPO," this episode is a must-listen.

Your doctor recommends an out-of-network specialist, leaving you with a critical question: Can you see them, and more importantly, what will it cost you? This episode tackles the financial stress and confusion that comes with going out-of-network. Melody breaks down the problem into a simple, two-part framework to help you understand your options and your financial responsibility before you make an appointment.

Learn the exact steps to determine what your insurance will (or won't) cover, how to talk to the specialist's office about payment options, and how to avoid surprise bills. This practical guide empowers you to balance your health needs with your financial well-being.

Featured Topics:

• Understanding the difference between being able to see a specialist and affording one.
• How to check your insurance plan for out-of-network benefits.
• What does it mean if your plan has no out-of-network coverage?
• How to negotiate as a "self-pay" patient.
• The common ways costs increase for out-of-network care include higher copayments and coinsurance.

What You’ll Hear:

• [00:00] The Two-Part Question: Can I See Them vs. Should I See Them?
• [00:48] Step 1: Check Your Insurance Plan for Out-of-Network Coverage.
• [01:10] Scenario A: Your Plan Has NO Out-of-Network Coverage.
• [01:25] Proactive Tip: Talking to the Physician’s Office as a "Self-Pay" Patient.
• [01:54] Scenario B: Your Plan Has Out-of-Network Coverage.
• [02:30] Understanding Higher Financial Responsibility (Copays & Coinsurance).
• [03:15] Balancing Your Health with Your Financial Responsibilities.

Want to Ask Melody? Visit: https://takecarepod.com Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If your doctor has ever recommended an out-of-network specialist and you've worried about the cost, this episode is a must-listen.

When a loved one is sick, the last thing you want to stress about is which hospital will cost less. In this episode, Melody answers a question from a listener who struggles with this exact problem and lays out a simple, proactive plan you can follow before an emergency happens.

Featured topics in this episode:

• The critical difference between "in-network" and "out-of-network" hospitals is that choosing the wrong one can significantly impact your final bill.
• How to understand your specific insurance costs for an emergency, from the initial ER co-payment to the potential fees for a hospital admission.
• An insider's tip on using the government-required "pricing transparency" data on hospital websites to compare costs before an emergency occurs.

What You’ll Hear:

• [00:55] A listener's question about choosing a hospital during a family medical emergency while worrying about the potential cost.
• [02:00] Step 1: How to verify if a hospital is "in-network" with your insurance plan by checking either the insurer's or the hospital's website.
• [03:35] Step 2: Understanding your personal costs, including typical ER copayments and what you might owe if a patient is admitted.
• [05:15] Step 3: How to find and compare hospital pricing on their websites to see if one facility charges significantly more than another.
• [06:30] The importance of choosing in advance, so you are not making a financial decision under the stress of a medical crisis.
• [07:05] A special note on why financial concerns between hospitals are less of a factor for patients on Medicare.

Want to Ask Melody? Visit: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If you've ever worried about a surprise ER bill, this episode is a must-listen.

That letter from your insurance company saying a hospital stay was "not medically necessary" is enough to cause panic. But before you pick up the phone, take a breath. In this episode, Melody Mulaik explains exactly why you shouldn't do anything at all.

Learn why this letter is just the opening move in a negotiation between your hospital and your insurer, what the hospital is required to do next, and how your final bill is actually determined. This practical guide will help you stay calm and in control, ensuring you only pay what you truly owe.

Featured topics in this episode:

• The true purpose of an insurance denial letter (and why it's not a bill).
• Why the hospital, not you, is responsible for providing justification.
• Understanding the difference between "Inpatient" and "Observation" status and how it impacts your wallet.
• A step-by-step guide on what to do (and what not to do) while you wait for a resolution.

What You’ll Hear:

• [00:45] The Scenario: A denial letter arrives after a hospital stay.
• [01:45] Step 1: Why your first move is to do nothing.
• [02:15] The Hospital's Role: What happens behind the scenes to justify your care.
• [03:00] Your Financial Protection: Why you won't be billed for the full amount.
• [06:05] Insider Term: Understanding "Observation" vs. "Inpatient" status.
• [07:00] Final Steps: How to find out what you actually owe.

Want to Ask Melody: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If you've ever faced an insurance denial, this episode is a must-listen.

Learning that your insurance company won't approve a necessary surgery can be terrifying and frustrating. But a denial is rarely the final word. In this quick-hitting episode, host Melody Mulaik demystifies the insurance approval process and provides a clear, step-by-step action plan to fight back. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, Melody explains why denials happen, how to effectively partner with your physician's office, and the critical importance of documenting "medical necessity." 

This episode equips you with the tools and tenacity to challenge a denial and advocate for the care you deserve, turning a stressful "no" into a successful "approved."

Featured Topics:

• Why an insurance company’s lack of approval is often a request for more information, not a final decision.
• The crucial role of "medical necessity" and how to prove it.
• Step-by-step instructions for navigating the approval process.
• How to effectively collaborate with your doctor's office to build a strong case.
• Tips for staying organized, persistent, and empowered throughout the process.

What You’ll Hear:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Why a "No" Isn't the Final Answer
• 00:48 - Step 1: Understand Your Denial 
• 01:55 - Step 2: Partner with Your Doctor's Office—Your #1 Ally
• 03:20 - Step 3: The Appeal & The Power of Proving "Medical Necessity"
• 04:50 - Persistence, External Reviews, and Final Encouragement

Want to Ask Melody: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If you've ever faced an insurance denial, this episode is a must-listen.

Your insurance company calls with a suggestion for where to get your MRI, but it's a place you've never heard of. Do you have to go there? Melody Mulaik breaks down why insurers guide patients to specific imaging centers, and it often comes down to cost. She explains that while these centers can be high-quality and save you money, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or quality for savings. Melody provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to research a recommended facility, what red flags to look for, and how to make the final decision that’s right for your health and your wallet.

Featured Topics:

• Why insurance companies prefer freestanding imaging centers over hospitals.
• How to research the quality of a recommended imaging facility.
• Balancing out-of-pocket costs with the quality of medical equipment.
• Your right to choose where you receive medical care.

Tune in to learn how to confidently question your insurer's recommendations and ensure you're getting high-quality care from a facility you trust.

What You’ll Hear:

00:00 - The Confusing Insurance Call

00:45 - Why Insurers Steer Patients

01:25 - Freestanding Centers vs. Hospitals

01:55 - How to Do Your Own Research

02:40 - Red Flags to Watch For

03:05 - Asking the Right Questions

03:20 - You Get the Final Say

Want to Ask Melody: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode, and let us know what topics or questions you need help with - we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Have you ever had to cancel a doctor's appointment at the last minute because you were sick, only to receive a bill for a missed appointment fee? Melody Mulaik tackles this common frustration. She explains that while these policies are becoming more frequent to protect a doctor's schedule and revenue, you don't always have to pay the fee. Melody provides a clear, step-by-step guide on who to talk to, from the billing office to the physicians themselves, and exactly what to say to ask for the fee to be waived, especially when you have a legitimate reason like the flu.

Featured Topics:

• Why physician practices charge fees for missed or canceled appointments.
• How to effectively communicate with the billing office to request a waiver.
• The right way to ask your physician to intervene and waive the fee.
• Why most practices will waive the fee at least once for patients.

Tune in to learn how a simple phone call or message can save you from paying an unnecessary fee and help you navigate the "catch-22" of canceling when you're sick.

What You’ll Hear: 

00:00 - The Listener's Question: A $25 Missed Appointment Fee

00:15 - Why These Fees Are Becoming Common

00:45 - The "Catch-22" of Being Sick

01:00 - Step 1: Call the Billing Office and Ask for a Waiver

01:30 - Step 2: Ask Your Physician Directly via Portal or In-Person

02:15 - The Business Reason Behind Cancellation Fees

02:35 - Legitimate Reasons to Have a Fee Waived

02:50 - Why Most Practices Are Understanding

Want to Ask Melody: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode, and let us know what topics or questions you need help with - we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Is there anything more frustrating than showing up on time for a doctor's appointment, only to spend the next hour in the waiting room? Host Melody Mulaik tackles this universal problem with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help you get seen faster. Drawing on insider knowledge, Melody explains how simple shifts in scheduling, like knowing the "golden hours" to book, can dramatically reduce your wait. She also provides tips for communicating with both the scheduling staff and your doctor to make your visits more efficient and less stressful.

Featured Topics:

• Why booking the first appointment of the day or right after lunch can save you time
• How to politely ask the scheduling staff for the best appointment slots
• The one time of day you should almost always avoid scheduling a visit
• Understanding how a doctor’s office really schedules patients
• Productive ways to talk to your doctor about excessive wait times

Tune in to learn how to take control of your schedule, reduce your waiting time, and make your next doctor’s visit a more positive experience.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR:

00:00 - The Frustration of Waiting for the Doctor

00:30 - Considering Your Own Schedule First

01:05 - Strategy 1: Book the First Appointment of the Day

01:50 - Strategy 2: Take the First Slot After Lunch

02:15 - Ask About the Office's Scheduling Method

02:45 - Strategy 3: Ask the Scheduler for Their Recommendation

03:10 - Why You Should Avoid the Last Appointment of the Day

03:45 - How to Talk to Your Doctor About Long Wait Times

Want to Ask Melody: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode, and let us know what topics or questions you need help with - we’re here to support you every step of the way!