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Answer

What can I do when a medical bill is difficult to afford?

The short answer

You have options. First, make sure the bill is correct and insurance was billed. Then ask the provider about financial assistance, discounts, and payment plans. Nonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy. Ask before the bill goes to collections if you can.

Key takeaways

  • Many bills can be reduced, corrected, or spread out. It is okay to ask.
  • Financial assistance may be available even if you have insurance.
  • Get any payment agreement in writing and choose an amount you can keep paying.

What you can do next

  1. Call the billing office and ask: "Do you have a financial assistance program?"
  2. Ask for an itemized bill and compare it with your EOB.
  3. If you need time, ask for a pause on collections while you apply.

Read the full lesson

Words in this lesson

Financial assistance
A program that lowers or removes a medical bill for people who qualify, often based on income. Also called charity care.
Payment plan
An agreement to pay a bill over time in smaller amounts. Ask whether it has interest or fees.
Itemized bill
A detailed bill that lists each service, supply, date, and charge. You can ask your provider for one.

Related

This is general education. For decisions about your own plan, taxes, or legal rights, check your plan documents or a qualified professional.

Sources

  1. Financial assistance policies (FAPs) Internal Revenue Service. Applies to: current page; regulations effective for years beginning on or after 2015-12-29. Published or updated: Unknown. Retrieved: November 5, 2026.
  2. What should I know about debt collection and credit reporting if my medical bill was sent to collections? Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Applies to: current page (last modified 2025-08-04). Published or updated: August 4, 2025. Retrieved: November 5, 2026.
  3. Prohibition on Creditors and Consumer Reporting Agencies Concerning Medical Information (Regulation V): status notice Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Applies to: Rule issued 2025-01-07; vacated 2025-07-11. Published or updated: July 11, 2025. Retrieved: November 5, 2026.
  4. Can I apply for debt relief? Undue Medical Debt. Applies to: current page. Published or updated: Unknown. Retrieved: November 5, 2026.
  5. Medical bill rights (No Surprises Act protections) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Applies to: current page. Published or updated: Unknown. Retrieved: .