When you or a loved one is admitted to the hospital, most people assume that Medicare or private insurance will cover the stay the same way every time (and even every day). However, there is something called “observation status” that can change how your stay is billed and covered by insurance. It has caught many families off guard, and the financial fallout can be brutal. Considering the average hospital admission can cost approximately $11,700 to over $14,000 per admission, the costs can be crippling. That said, here are five ways having an “observation status” on your bill could leave you and your family with a pile of unexpected bills.
