MedCarePrecheck Blog
Plain-English explainers and real-world stories about Medicare lab coverage. Read these before your next blood draw.
- May 29, 2026
Why I built MedCarePrecheck (and gougestop.com)
For the last 14 months I have been dealing with a couple of bills where Medicare denied a couple of tests. This is what got me started on the idea of building these tools.
Read more → - April 22, 2026
The ABN Trap: How Labs Use a Medicare Form to Charge You 5× What Tests Are Worth
If you've had lab work done on Medicare, you've probably signed an ABN. That signature may be the most expensive thing you write all year. Here's exactly what it does, what they don't tell you, and how to push back — starting before you sign.
Read more → - April 12, 2026
What is an ABN — and what should you do when the lab hands you one?
When the lab front desk slides a piece of paper across the counter and asks you to sign, that's an Advance Beneficiary Notice. Here's what it actually means and how to respond.
Read more → - April 4, 2026
5 Things to Do Before You Pay a Lab Bill
That lab bill on your kitchen table? Don't pay it yet. Here are the five moves to make before any money changes hands — backed by primary sources.
Read more → - February 19, 2026
Why the lab should bill Medicare first — and what to say if they won't
A surprising number of labs ask Medicare patients to pay cash up front 'just in case Medicare doesn't cover this.' That's not how it's supposed to work.
Read more →
We want to hear from you
MedCarePrecheck is built for patients. Your story or idea could help someone else avoid an unfair bill — or shape the next feature we build.
Share your story
Had an experience with unfair lab billing? Your story could help other patients going through the same thing. We’ll review submissions and may feature yours on the blog (with your permission).
Got an idea?
MedCarePrecheck is built for patients, and we want to make it better. Have an idea for a feature, a question you wish the tool could answer, or a topic you’d like us to write about? Let us know.