Seventy-two percent of consumers were confused about received medical bills, according to the 2016 Copatient State of Medical Bill Confusion survey. The survey included more than 200 consumer responses.
Here are five key points:
1. The survey found 94 percent of consumers received medical bills they thought were "too expensive."
2. Thirty-six percent of respondents said they received medical bills they couldn't afford, and 41 percent reported they used payment plans.
3. More than half of consumers have attempted negotiating a medical bill, with 38 percent successfully saving money.
4. About 60 percent of consumers said they didn't understand balance billing and 70 percent said they had not heard of the "Cadillac Tax."
5. The survey responses highlighted the lack of consumer-facing education tools.
"It is imperative consumers become more educated on personal healthcare expenses and place a significant emphasis on increasing autonomy in terms of awareness and understanding, when it comes to changes in health insurance, coverage and benefits," said Rebecca Palm, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Copatient.