Medical bills can become difficult to manage, especially after an emergency, major treatment, hospital stay, or ongoing medical care. If you are struggling to pay what you owe, there may be financial assistance programs that can reduce your costs or make payments more manageable.
Depending on your circumstances, help may come from government health programs, hospital financial assistance, charity care, nonprofit organizations, insurance programs, or payment arrangements. Eligibility and available programs vary by income, location, household situation, age, insurance status, and other factors.
Who May Qualify
You may be able to find assistance if you:
- Have a low or limited household income
- Are uninsured or underinsured
- Have large hospital or medical expenses
- Are experiencing financial hardship
- Are receiving Medicare or Medicaid
- Have children or dependents who need medical care
- Are a senior or person with a disability
- Are a veteran with qualifying medical expenses
Some hospitals also have financial assistance or charity-care programs that can provide free or reduced-cost care to eligible patients.
Check What You May Qualify For
Finding medical assistance programs can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure out every option on your own. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your situation.
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Programs vary based on eligibility, location, household circumstances, and other factors.
Types of Help Paying Medical Bills
Hospital Financial Assistance
Ask the hospital or medical provider whether it has a financial assistance policy. Some programs can reduce or sometimes cover eligible medical costs.
Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible people, while CHIP provides coverage for eligible children. Requirements vary by state.
Medicare Assistance
Some Medicare-related programs may help eligible people with premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or prescription costs.
Charity Care
Charity care, also called financial assistance, may be available through hospitals and healthcare providers for people who cannot afford their medical care. Ask the billing department how to apply.
Payment Plans
If you still owe a balance after assistance and insurance, ask whether the provider offers an affordable payment plan. Review the terms carefully before agreeing to medical financing.
Prescription Assistance
Depending on your circumstances, pharmaceutical companies, state programs, and other organizations may offer help with prescription costs.
How Medical Bill Assistance Typically Works
- Review your bill to make sure the charges and insurance payments appear correct.
- Contact the billing department and ask about financial assistance or charity care.
- Check government health programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare assistance.
- Gather documents such as income information, household details, insurance information, and medical bills.
- Apply for available programs and keep copies of your applications.
- Ask about payment options if you still have a remaining balance.
The CFPB recommends checking whether financial assistance is available before simply putting a medical bill on a credit card or medical financing product.