The Six Questions to Ask Your Insurance Plan Before You Leave the Hospital
These six short questions, asked before discharge, prevent most of the surprises that arrive in the mail four to six weeks later.
February 14, 2026 · 4 min read · StrokeBill Team
1. Was this admission in network?
Confirm both the hospital and every treating clinician.
2. Was prior authorization needed and obtained?
If a procedure was performed without an active prior authorization, it is the single most common reason for downstream denials.
3. What is my deductible remaining for this plan year?
This drives how much of the next bill you will owe out of pocket.
4. Has my out-of-pocket maximum been reached?
Once reached, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. Many families do not realize they have crossed this line.
5. What is covered for post-acute rehabilitation?
Inpatient rehab, skilled nursing facility, home health and outpatient therapy each have separate rules. Get the answers in writing.
6. What is the appeal deadline for any denials I receive?
The single most important date you can have on hand.
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