Never Pay the First Bill: A Guide to Healthcare Reform and Patient Empowerment
The Sickness Business: Understanding and Fighting Back
Written by Larry Stout
The American healthcare system is a paradox. It is designed to heal, yet it thrives on sickness. There’s an entire industry built around people getting sick, and not all of its practices are ethical. In our recent episode of Next-Gen Healthcare, we explore the challenges of what we call “the sickness business” and how patients can protect themselves from exploitative practices with Sonja Allen.
One of the most eye-opening resources on this topic is Marshall Allen’s book, Never Pay the First Bill and Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win. Allen, an award-winning investigative journalist, spent years exposing the hidden mechanics of the healthcare industry. His book provides invaluable insights into how patients can take control of their medical expenses and avoid being overcharged.
Discovering Marshall Allen’s Work
Back in April 2024, I stumbled upon Allen’s book while scrolling through social media. Its alignment with the goals of Next-Gen Healthcare and telehealth optimization immediately caught my attention. Without hesitation, I ordered the book and even reached out to Allen in hopes of connecting. Unfortunately, I never received a response.
Months later, I heard back from his wife, Sonja Allen, who shared the heartbreaking news that Marshall had passed away unexpectedly the previous summer. His loss was a tragedy, not just for his family but also for the countless people his work had helped.
Despite this, Sonja has continued his mission, preserving and expanding his legacy. She graciously joined us on the podcast to discuss Marshall’s work, his book, and the ongoing efforts to empower patients in navigating the healthcare system.
The Legacy of Never Pay the First Bill
Marshall Allen’s book is more than just an exposé on healthcare corruption—it’s a guide to fighting back. He structured it as a practical tool, making complex topics digestible and actionable. The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on different aspects of the healthcare system and how patients can advocate for themselves.
One of the major issues Allen highlighted was the role of employers in providing healthcare. Many companies rely heavily on insurance agents for guidance, but these agents often have their own financial incentives. Commission structures and bonuses can lead to recommendations that benefit the agent more than the employer or employees. This misalignment can result in higher costs and less-than-optimal coverage for workers.
The Problem with Overcharging and Upcoding
A key takeaway from Allen’s research is that overcharging in healthcare isn’t just a clerical issue—it’s often intentional. Upcoding, a practice where providers bill for more expensive services than were actually provided, is rampant. Insurance companies, rather than policing these practices, often benefit from them as well. Since their profits are tied to a percentage of total claims, higher bills mean higher earnings for insurers, leaving consumers to bear the burden in the form of rising premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
Empowering Patients Through Education
One of the most significant aspects of Marshall Allen’s work was his focus on education. His book and subsequent resources weren’t just about exposing problems—they were about equipping patients with the knowledge to protect themselves. This mission continues through the Allen Health Academy, an initiative providing accessible, practical tools to help individuals navigate the complexities of healthcare billing and insurance.
As Sonja shared, this initiative is growing, and soon, a nonprofit project will be launched to further Marshall’s work. While details are still under wraps, it promises to be a game-changer in making healthcare advocacy resources widely available.
A Call to Action
Marshall Allen’s book, Never Pay the First Bill, remains a must-read for anyone looking to take control of their healthcare costs. It’s available on Amazon and other major retailers, and it serves as a vital tool for anyone seeking to understand and combat the financial pitfalls of the healthcare system.
At Next-Gen Healthcare, our mission aligns closely with Allen’s vision—helping people take charge of their health and navigate a system that too often prioritizes profits over patients. We encourage everyone to educate themselves, ask questions, and challenge unfair practices.
Sonja Allen’s commitment to carrying on Marshall’s work is inspiring, and we look forward to having her back when her upcoming project is ready for launch. In the meantime, arm yourself with knowledge and remember—you have more power in the healthcare system than you think.
Tune in to episode 14, Healthcare Reform with Sonja Allen here.
