Free Resources to Help You Take the First Step

If you need help today and money is tight, grab one of these free one-page guides. They will help you take the first step in the next ten minutes.

Down load these checklists for FREE

Federal Poverty Level Checklist

See if you qualify for free or discounted care.

Charity Care Secrets

Where to find the policy and how to apply.

Negotiation Phrases

Exact words to use with billing offices.

Discover additional information via our Toolkits

FAQ section

Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions. We've got answers.

How do I get a hospital bill reduced or forgiven?

If your hospital is a nonprofit, ask for its Financial Assistance Policy. Gather proof of income and household size, fill out the application, and submit it within 240 days of your first bill. If your income fits their guidelines, your balance can be reduced or forgiven. If you are not at a nonprofit, request an itemized bill, compare to your EOB, and ask for a payment plan you can afford

I cannot pay this bill. What can I do right now?

Ask for the itemized bill, compare to your EOB, and check if your hospital is a nonprofit. If it is, download the Financial Assistance Policy and appy within 240 days.

How do I know if I qualify for hospital bill forgiveness?

Use the FPL Cheat Sheet to find your income level. May nonprofits give free or discounted care if your income fits their policy

Can the hospital send me to collections?

Nonprofit hospitals cannot send you to collections before 120 days from the first bill while you are applying for help.

I thought I lost Medicaid coverage. What should I do?

Call your state Medicaid office to confirm status, ask why it changed, update paperwork, and ask about retroactive coverage. Use the Lost Medicaid Coverage Toolkit for the steps.

What if my bill is still too high after all that?

Ask for a payment plan you can afford and use the Negotiation Phrases free guide to get fair terms.