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

3 min read

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.

A bill you cannot afford is stressful. These steps can help, one at a time.

1. Check the bill

Compare it with your EOB. Ask for an itemized bill. Look for duplicate charges, services you did not receive, or insurance that was not billed.

2. Ask about financial assistance

Many hospitals offer financial assistance, sometimes called charity care. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy and make it available.^[1] Ask the billing office for the application. You may need to show income information.

3. Ask about a discount

Some providers offer a discount for paying in full or for people without insurance. If you are uninsured, ask what the self-pay price is.

4. Set up a payment plan

A payment plan spreads the cost over months. Ask whether it is interest-free. Be careful with medical credit cards or loans, which may charge interest after a promotional period.

5. Know your rights with collections

If a bill goes to a collection agency, you have rights. If you think you do not owe the amount, dispute it with the collector in writing as soon as you can.^[2] A 2025 federal rule that would have kept most medical debt off credit reports was cancelled by a court in July 2025, so it does not protect you.^[3] Some states have their own limits. You can still dispute credit report errors.^[2]

Be careful with offers to buy back or erase your debt. Charities that cancel medical debt buy large groups of debts from hospitals. One well-known charity says it cannot clear a debt because a person asks.^[4] Be wary of any company that charges a fee before it helps.

6. Look at public programs

You may qualify for Medicaid, and in some cases it can cover recent past bills. Check your state's Medicaid agency.

What can be different for you

Financial assistance rules differ by hospital and state. Some states require all hospitals, not only nonprofits, to offer help. Eligibility is often based on household income. Medicaid rules and retroactive coverage vary by state. Clinics and doctors' offices may have their own policies.

What you can do next

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

More detail (optional)

Prescription costs

Drug makers, pharmacies, and nonprofits may offer assistance programs for certain medicines. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Use the official program page to apply, not a third-party site that charges fees.

Protect your information

Only share income or account details with your provider's official billing office or an official program. Be careful with calls or messages asking for payment that you did not expect.

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.

Where can I go for help?

Free help is often close by: the member services number on your insurance card, the billing office for your provider, your state insurance department, and nonprofit patient advocates.

Who can help, and what each one does

Optional personal support

You don't have to navigate healthcare alone.

Health insurance, medical bills, denied claims, and financial assistance can become complicated, especially when you're also caring for yourself or someone you love. An independent patient advocate may help you organize information, understand your options, prepare questions, communicate with healthcare organizations, and keep track of next steps. You remain in charge of decisions.

AMME Navigator is being developed to connect patients with independent advocates.

Learn about Navigator & request beta access About AMME Navigator

Navigator is in development. Requesting beta access does not guarantee immediate access or an advocate match.

Questions to ask an advocate

Opens amme.health. AMME Learning Center does not send your progress or searches there. Please do not include medical, insurance, or financial details in the form. AMME Health makes both AMME Learning Center and AMME Navigator. The free help listed above is always available. You do not need this to use anything on AMME Learning Center.

See the quick-answer view

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

Sources

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.
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.
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.
Can I apply for debt relief? Undue Medical Debt. Applies to: current page. Published or updated: Unknown. Retrieved: November 5, 2026.
Medical bill rights (No Surprises Act protections) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Applies to: current page. Published or updated: Unknown. Retrieved: .