I had surgery on February 19 and have a hospital bill (just the hospital, not the surgeon, anesthetist, etc) of about $2200, which I know in the scheme of things is not terrible but it makes my financial situation even more precarious in my newly-divorced, newly-employed, looking-at-more-expensive-surgery-and-treatment-soon state. Can I negotiate this down? What do I say? I could possibly pay it in cash if they would knock it down like 20%. Is it better to talk to them sooner or let it sit for a while? All advice welcome.