Medical expenses can become difficult to manage, especially when you are dealing with an unexpected illness, emergency treatment, ongoing care, prescriptions, or high insurance costs. Fortunately, there may be programs and resources that can help reduce healthcare expenses or make medical bills easier to manage.
Depending on your situation, financial help may come through government health programs, health insurance assistance, hospital financial assistance, charity care, prescription assistance, or payment arrangements with medical providers.
Who May Qualify
Eligibility varies by program. You may be considered based on:
- Household income
- Family size
- Age
- Disability
- Pregnancy
- Employment status
- Health insurance status
- Medical circumstances
- State of residence
- Type of medical expense
Even if you already have health insurance, you may still have options for dealing with medical costs that remain after insurance pays its portion.
Check What You May Qualify For
If medical expenses are putting pressure on your household budget, you may have assistance options worth exploring. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your situation.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
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Programs vary according to eligibility, location, household circumstances, and the type of medical assistance available.
Types of Financial Help for Medical Expenses
Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid provides free or low-cost healthcare to eligible people with limited income. CHIP provides health coverage for eligible children and teens. Each state has its own eligibility requirements.
Medicare Assistance
People with Medicare may qualify for programs that help with premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or prescription drug costs. USA.gov identifies Medicare Savings Programs and Medicare Extra Help as options to explore.
Hospital Financial Assistance
Hospitals may have financial assistance programs for patients who cannot afford their bills. Nonprofit hospitals are required to provide financial assistance to eligible patients who cannot afford to pay. Ask the hospital's billing department for its financial assistance or charity care policy.
Charity Care
Charity care may reduce some or all of an eligible patient's medical bill. Availability and eligibility depend on the healthcare provider's financial assistance policy.
Prescription Assistance
If prescription costs are difficult to afford, there may be lower-cost medication options, generic alternatives, insurance assistance, or other prescription assistance resources.
Payment Plans
A healthcare provider may be willing to reduce a bill or arrange a payment plan when a patient cannot afford the full amount. Contact the billing department and ask what options are available.
How Medical Expense Assistance Typically Works
- Identify the medical expense causing the greatest financial difficulty.
- Check whether you have health insurance or qualify for a government health program.
- Ask your provider or hospital about financial assistance.
- Request an itemized bill and check it for errors.
- Gather income and household documentation if required.
- Apply for available assistance and ask about payment plans if a balance remains.
CMS recommends checking medical bills for errors, asking providers about lower bills or payment plans, and applying for financial assistance when available.