I have a medical bill
Can I negotiate a medical bill?
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Often, yes. Many hospitals and practices will lower a bill, offer a discount for paying in full, or set up a payment plan if you ask, especially once you have checked the itemized bill for errors.
What to do
- Get the itemized bill and your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) first, and ask for any errors to be fixed before you talk about the amount.
- Ask for the hospital's Financial Assistance Policy and an application; nonprofit hospitals must have one, and you may qualify for free or reduced-cost care.
- Ask the billing office for a discount for paying in full, a self-pay rate, or an interest-free monthly plan you can afford. The hospital's posted prices give you a number to compare.
- Get any agreement in writing before you pay.
What to say
I want to resolve this bill. Do you offer a discount for paying in full, or a financial assistance program I could apply for? Please send me whatever we agree on in writing.
Ask the billing office or patient financial services, not a collections agency.
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.
Negotiating before checking the bill for errors. An error you find can lower the bill more than any discount, and you can ask for both.
Better done together
We’re here to help
Many people don't know a bill can be lowered, or how to ask. We help you check the bill first, find out about financial assistance, and plan what to say, so you ask once, calmly, with the right facts in hand.
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
Medical charges can often be negotiated, and many billing offices can lower a bill, offer a discount or spread payments out. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written Financial Assistance Policy under IRS rule 501(r) and must make it widely known, including on their website and billing statements. Hospitals must also post their standard prices online under the federal price transparency rule.
Sources
- CFPB — What should I do if I can't pay a medical bill?
- CFPB — Consumer advisory: medical charges can be negotiated
- IRS.gov — Financial Assistance Policies (Section 501(r)(4))
- CMS.gov — Hospital price transparency
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.