Crazy hospital bills: How you can cut yours, possibly by 30%

Margaret’s husband was recently in the hospital. His bill later showed that he was charged more than $1 apiece for prescription medications that can be obtained for a fraction of the cost at a pharmacy.

Margaret wants to know who sets these crazy prices.

ASK LAZ: Smart answers to consumer questions

She’s not alone. Anyone who’s had a hospital stay has been subjected to sky-high charges for pills, medical equipment and pretty much anything else that could be slapped with a completely inexplicable price tag.

Who’s responsible? The hospital, of course. But it has a reason for the practice.

And for a tip on reducing your bill, check out Friday’s Ask Laz video.

If you have a consumer question, email me at asklaz@latimes.com or contact me via Twitter @Davidlaz.