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Medical bill you can’t pay: first steps (US)

Before you pay, check for errors, ask for help and set up a plan that fits.

18 items · 5 sections · money, health, us, debt

Start this checklist

Do not panic and do not ignore it (3)

  • Open every letter and note the due date and the amount
  • Do not pay by credit card yet: ask the questions below first
  • Medical bills usually do not go to collections right away: ask how long you have

Check the bill (5)

  • Ask for an itemized bill with every charge and code
  • Compare it with your Explanation of Benefits from the insurer
  • Look for duplicate charges, services you never got and the wrong dates
  • Ask the provider to re-bill the insurer if a claim was denied by mistake
  • Ask for the appeal steps if the insurer denied a claim

Ask for help (3)

  • Ask the hospital for its financial assistance or charity care policyNonprofit hospitals must have one.
  • Apply with proof of income and household size
  • Ask for a discount for paying in full or a lower self-pay price

Set up a plan (4)

  • Ask for an interest-free payment plan
  • Choose a monthly amount you can really pay
  • Get the agreement in writing before you pay anything
  • Ask them to hold the account out of collections while you pay

If it goes to collections (3)

  • Ask the collector to prove the debt in writing within 30 days
  • Do not pay a debt you do not recognise
  • Free help: a nonprofit credit counselor or a patient advocate

Written from www.consumerfinance.gov

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