Medical debt: check the bill and assistance options first
Check medical billing accuracy, financial assistance and payment arrangements before moving a bill to a card or considering settlement.
Before deciding how to pay a medical bill, confirm the charges and insurance processing, then ask about financial assistance. The amount on the first bill may not reflect every correction or assistance option available.
Confirm what you actually owe
Compare an itemized bill with the care received and your insurer's explanation of benefits. Check for duplicate charges, payments that are missing and insurance processing that is not complete. Contact the billing office promptly about anything unclear.
Keep the bill, explanation of benefits and notes together. Ask who is handling the question and when you should follow up. An explanation of benefits is not itself a demand for payment.
Ask about financial assistance before financing
Request the provider's financial assistance or charity care policy and application instructions. Help may be available to insured as well as uninsured patients, depending on the policy and circumstances.
Ask what documents are required, how long review takes and what happens to billing or collection activity while the application is pending. Do not assume an application automatically stops every collection step.
- Ask for the policy and application in a language you understand.
- Keep a copy of what you submit and the date.
- Follow up if you have not received a decision or need help with the application.
Compare a payment arrangement carefully
If a correct balance remains, ask the billing office about an affordable payment plan, including whether interest or fees apply. Compare that with the cost of paying by a credit card or medical financing product.
Moving the bill to a card can introduce interest and affect your ability to negotiate the original bill. Ask about existing assistance and direct payment options before doing so.
If the bill is already in collections
Verify the debt and check whether it includes charges that should have been corrected or covered by assistance. Use the CFPB resources below for billing and collection questions, and keep copies of your correspondence.
Some unsecured medical debts may be considered by an independent debt relief provider. A referral does not correct a billing error or guarantee that a medical creditor will settle. Done With Debt cannot offer services to residents of Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon or Wyoming. Ask about assistance and available alternatives before making a program decision.
Sources: CFPB: When you cannot pay a medical bill · CFPB: Financial assistance for medical bills · FTC: How to get out of debt
Sources and further reading
- CFPB: When you cannot pay a medical bill
- CFPB: Financial assistance for medical bills
- FTC: How to get out of debt
General educational information. This guide does not assess your circumstances or replace financial, legal or tax advice. Read our editorial policy.