Never Pay the First Bill

And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win

By: Marshall Allen

Narrated by: Marshall Allen

From award-winning ProPublica reporter Marshall Allen, a primer for anyone who wants to fight the predatory health care system--and win.

Every year, millions of Americans are overcharged and underserved while the health care industry makes record profits. We know something is wrong, but the layers of bureaucracy designed to discourage complaints make pushing back seem impossible. At least, this is what the health care power players want you to think.

Never Pay the First Bill is the guerilla guide to health care the American people and employers need. Drawing on 15 years of investigating the health care industry, reporter Marshall Allen shows how companies and individuals have managed to force medical providers to play fair, and shows how you can, too. He reveals the industry's pressure points and how companies and individuals have fought overbilling, price gouging, insurance denials, and more to get the care they deserve. Laying out a practical plan for protecting yourself against the system's predatory practices, Allen offers the inspiration you need and tried-and-true strategies such as:

Analyze and contest your medical bills, so you don't pay more than you should
Obtain the billing codes for a procedure in advance
Write in an appropriate treatment clause before signing financial documents
Get your way by suing in small claims court

Few politicians and CEOs have been willing to stand up to the medical industry. It is up to the American people to equip ourselves to fight back for the sake of our families--and everyone else.


* This audiobook includes a downloadable PDF which contains sample letters, advice, and more resources from the printed book.

If ever there was a book every American should read, this is it!

“Shocked” is the best way to describe how I felt listening to this. As a healthcare provider I’m shocked how we are cheating patients; as a patient I’m shocked how much I’m being cheated. You always hear how twisted the healthcare system can be, but finally there are easy to understand steps to take thanks to this book! It really should be required reading for anyone in the US. I found it so insightful I couldn’t stop excitedly reciting facts to my wife (I’m sure it drove her nuts) and I had to purchase the hardcover so I can take notes. Oddly, I’m now looking forward to my next medical bill so I can put some of these tips into practice.

Thank you for writing this!

On the technical sides for the audio, it was perfect all around.

Superbly written

probably one of the most comprehensive easy to understand and informative books on the topic of how we are being raped by the healthcare system. Marshall Allen has done a tremendous service to those battling high health insurance costs hospital costs. This is a must read for those Going through a difficult time in healthcare.

Must Read

If you want to save $ on medical bills? Listen/read this is an essential book!

have you ever wanted to reduce your medical bill

this book gives step by step instructions on how to minimize your health care costs and how to fight billing errors effectively. read with a notebook ready to write down action steps. great insight for business owners to reduce the costs of health care for your workforce as well

Prepare for emergencies ahead of time!

Amazing! I will need to get myself a hard copy so that I can easily take notes and reference various pieces, just in case I have some emergency and wind up needing it. I highly reccomend!!!


This gives incredibly useful breakdowns of where the medical system goes wrong and how to stand up for yourself