ASK YOUR PROVIDER FOR ASSISTANCE Many hospitals offer financial assistance to those who meet income thresholds. “If you get an amount you weren’t expecting, call the hospital and say, ‘Am I eligible for a discount? What is your policy on financial assistance?’” says Richard Gundling, vi...
surprise medical billcontract forcingarbitrationrate-settingWe examine the problem of surprise medical bills and consider how state and federal governments are addressing that problem. We note at the outset that surpriseHyman, David A.Ippolito, Benedic...
Request medical bill forgiveness or assistance.If you’re uninsured or experiencing hardship, ask whether your hospital has an assistance or “charity care” program that can cover or reduce your medical bills. Keep in mind, you might need to showtax returnsand other documentation to prove your ...
First, ask about a hospital or doctor's financial assistance policies. Some hospitals offer discounts if you meet certain income requirements. If you don't qualify for a discount, some hospitals may also offer you a payment plan to pay over time which are typically interest-free. If you must...
Learn how to navigate and negotiate medical bills.Fidelity Smart Money Key takeaways Always check your medical bills for accuracy and ask the hospital or provider questions about charges you don't understand. Payment plans, assistance programs, and bill negotiation can all help manage unexpected ...
Get Outside Help If all else fails, consider reaching out for help. Numerous health care and medical billing advocates are out there, such as the Patient Advocate Foundation. The downside is that many of them cost money, too.4 Still, they'll go to bat for you if you're not gett...
uninsured or underinsured, most drug manufacturers have patient assistance programs that provide low-cost or free medications. Ask your doctor’s office or check the website of the company that makes your medication. Some drug companies also offer rebate or discount programs to help with treatment ...
Workers’ Compensation. If you can’t work because of an injury or illness you got on the job, this program can replace your lost income. It can also cover your medical bills and compensate you for a permanent injury, such as the loss of a limb. However, to get benefits, you must fi...
There are also federal requirements for nonprofit hospitals to provide financial assistance programs for low-income patients. The aid varies depending on the state and the institution. However, 45% of nonprofit hospital organizations routinely send out bills to patients who have income low enough to ...
Make sure you can afford what you agree to do. 7. Ask an organization for assistance There are public programs and private organizations that may be able to help you tackle your medical bills if you aren’t able to do it on your own. These organizations can help you learn more about ...