Full Show: Why You Should Appeal Any Medical Bill Denial & How To Fight Skyrocketing Power Bills

Clark dives into the predatory world of health insurance, where companies are under fire for "strategy-based" claim denials. Most consumers simply give up when a claim is rejected, but Clark explains why you must assert your power as a customer. Whether you are facing a "ghost bill" years after a procedure or a confusing summary bill from a hospital stay, the message is clear: never accept the first number you see. Also, as massive AI data centers expand across the country, utility companies are looking for ways to pass the multi-billion dollar expansion costs onto everyday consumers. Clark argues that you shouldn't have to subsidize the energy needs of big tech. He explores the "secret weapons" available to homeowners and renters alike. Plus, Christa shares your #AskClark questions and Clark gives his take. All this and more on the January 21, 2026, episode of The Clark Howard Show. Submit your questions: https://clark.com/ask Related resources: https://clark.com/insurance/health-in... https://clark.com/save-money/how-to-s... 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Why You Should Appeal Any Medical Bill Denial 07:05 - Ask Clark - If an insurer denies coverage for a cancer-related diagnostic test as “investigative,” what additional appeal steps or payment options should a patient pursue to avoid paying the full cost out of pocket? (Steve) 11:55 - Ask Clark - Is it normal or ethical for a doctor’s office to collect a deposit that never appears on an insurance EOB or counts toward a deductible or out-of-pocket maximum? (John) 14:20 - Ask Clark - What’s the best way for parents to check, freeze, and protect a young child’s credit after a data breach without exposing sensitive documents unnecessarily? (Stephanie) 16:20 - How To Fight Skyrocketing Power Bills 22:12 - Ask Clark - Could emerging solid-state battery technology significantly reduce future demand for lithium and negatively impact lithium-related investments? (Jeff) 24:39 - Ask Clark - How can companies like Ring justify major subscription price increases without added services, and what lower-cost home security alternatives should consumers consider? (Allison) 26:50 - Ask Clark - When does it make sense to periodically transfer HSA funds from an employer plan with low interest and high thresholds into a personal HSA like Fidelity, and how should workers evaluate better HSA options? (Tim) Clark.com: Advice You Can Trust: SUBSCRIBE:    / clark   Listen To The Clark Howard Podcast: https://clark.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lrwhe2... iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/8-the-... Follow Us for More Money Tips: Website: https://clark.com/ Podcast: https://clark.com/podcasts/ Newsletter: https://clark.com/newsletters/ Instagram:   / theclarkdotcom   Facebook:   / clarkhoward   Need Consumer Advice? The Consumer Action Center is a free resource for advice on money and consumer issues. Call 636-49C-LARK (636-492-5275) and a member of Team Clark will assist you as soon as possible. The Consumer Action Center is available Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. If you found this video valuable, give it a like. If you know someone who needs to see it, share it. Leave a comment below with your thoughts. Add it to a playlist if you want to watch it later. Our Promise to You: At Clark.com and ClarkDeals.com, we do not get paid for endorsements or reviews of any product or service, nor do we allow advertisers to place paid content on our sites. More information: https://clark.com/ad-disclosure/