So consumers may be interested to know that the amount of a medical bill is not necessarily set in stone, said Erin Singleton, chief of mission delivery for the Patient Advocate Foundation, which assists people with chronic conditions. You can ask whether a discount can be applied, or whether the hospital has funds available for patients with a financial hardship.

Often, people are embarrassed to talk to professionals about discounting their bills, said Martin B. Rosen, a co-founder of Health Advocate, which helps patients with employer-based coverage. But, he said, “There’s no harm in asking” — just be polite.

Ms. Singleton noted that many high-deductible plans could be used with a tax-favored health savings account, which lets users set aside money for health costs. If you don’t use the money, it rolls over into the next year. Building a health savings account through periodic deposits can help you set aside money for medical expenses subject to your deductible.

Here are some questions about managing medical bills:

■ How can I keep my medical bills as low as possible?

Start by understanding the details of your health plan. Going to an out-of-network doctor or hospital, for instance, will cost you more. Many people make the mistake of choosing a plan based on its monthly premium alone, said David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund, but it’s wise to consider your overall health costs. It may make sense to choose a plan with a higher premium, but a lower deductible. You can also ask about lower-cost options — like whether an operation can be done in an outpatient clinic, rather than in a hospital, Ms. Singleton suggested.

■ What’s the best way to handle a medical bill I can’t afford to pay?

Contact the doctor, hospital or lab to discuss it — sooner rather than later, Ms. Singleton said. Providers may offer payment plans, or even a discount on your bill, but they have more flexibility before the account is sent to collection, she said.