I have a medical bill
Can I ask the hospital for financial assistance?
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Yes. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy, and some other hospitals have one too. Ask for the policy and the application before you pay or agree to a payment plan.
What to do
- Ask the billing office or patient financial services for the hospital's Financial Assistance Policy and its application form.
- Read the income limits and what counts as your household; many policies also give discounts above the free-care level.
- Gather proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or a tax return, and send the application in.
- Ask the hospital to put a hold on the account while your application is reviewed, and get that in writing.
- Ask for the decision in writing, and ask how to appeal if you are turned down.
What to say
I'd like to apply for financial assistance under your policy. Can you send me the application and put a hold on this account while it's reviewed?
You can ask even if you have insurance, and even after you have started paying.
What to watch out for
This is a sensitive stepSmall details here can change the outcome, and some mistakes are hard to undo. We highly recommend a free 15-minute call with us before you decide.
Not asking because you have insurance or a job. Some policies also help insured people with large bills, so ask and let the hospital decide.
Better done together
We’re here to help
Financial assistance applications can be long, and missing one paper can slow everything down. We go through the policy with you, check what you may qualify for, and help you put the application together.
Every situation is different, and these are sensitive moments, so we look at yours with care. We often see what others miss, and we never take commissions from insurance companies: the only thing we are working for is what is right for you.
Free · 15 minutes · No pressure
The rule behind it
Nonprofit hospitals must have a written Financial Assistance Policy under IRS rule 501(r) and must make it easy to find. They must wait at least 120 days after the first bill after discharge before serious collection steps, such as reporting the debt to a credit bureau, and must accept applications for at least 240 days after that first bill. Once you send a complete application, they must pause those steps until they decide. Some states add their own rules.
Sources
- IRS — Financial Assistance Policies (FAPs) under section 501(r)
- IRS — Billing and collections, section 501(r)(6)
- The hospital's Financial Assistance Policy and application
Amanda Alcodia
Education, not medical, legal or insurance advice.
Useful next steps
Start with the free Kit. If your situation needs a person, the intro call is free too.