Medical bills are one of the most common reasons people fall into debt in the United States. If you’re staring at a hospital bill you can’t pay, don’t ignore it, and don’t put it on a credit card right away. There are often ways to reduce it or get it forgiven.
Ask about hospital financial assistance
Nonprofit hospitals are required to have financial assistance policies, often called charity care. Depending on your income, the hospital may reduce your bill or cancel it completely. Many for-profit hospitals offer similar programs.
- Call the hospital’s billing office and ask for the financial assistance policy and application.
- Fill out the application and include proof of income.
- Ask the hospital to pause collections while your application is reviewed.
- Apply even if your bill is several months old. Many hospitals accept applications long after the bill was sent.
Check your bill for errors
Ask for an itemized bill, which lists every charge. Look for duplicate charges, services you didn’t receive, or wrong insurance information. If something looks wrong, call the billing office and ask them to fix it.
Check if you qualified for coverage
If you were uninsured when you received care, you may have qualified for Medicaid. In many states, Medicaid can cover medical bills from up to three months before you applied. Ask the hospital’s financial counselor to screen you.
Set up a payment plan
If you still owe money, ask for an interest-free payment plan you can afford. Many hospitals offer them. Get the agreement in writing.
Know your protections
- The No Surprises Act protects many patients from surprise out-of-network bills in emergencies and at in-network facilities.
- If you’re uninsured or paying yourself, you have the right to a good faith estimate before scheduled care.
- Medical debt rules on credit reports have changed in recent years, and paid medical debt is generally removed from credit reports.
A real-life example
After an emergency room visit for a broken wrist, Angela, who was uninsured, received a bill for several thousand dollars. A friend told her to ask about charity care. She called the hospital, filled out a two-page application, and sent copies of her pay stubs.
A month later, the hospital reduced her bill by most of the balance based on her income, and she set up a small monthly payment plan for the rest.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Always ask for the itemized bill first.
- Write down the name of everyone you talk to and the date.
- Don’t let a bill go to collections without calling the hospital.
- Ask a community health center or legal aid office for help if you get stuck.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get help if I have insurance?
Yes. Many hospital assistance programs help insured patients with high deductibles or copays.
Will the hospital refuse to treat me if I can’t pay?
Hospitals that participate in Medicare must screen and stabilize anyone with an emergency medical condition, regardless of ability to pay.
What if my bill is already in collections?
You can still ask the hospital about financial assistance. Some will pull the bill back from collections if you qualify.
Related guides
- Community Health Centers: Affordable Care Even Without Insurance
- Medicaid Eligibility and How to Apply in Your State
- CHIP: Low-Cost Health Insurance for Kids
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.