Medical Bill Fighter
Fight your medical bill from every angle
93%
of people who negotiate their medical bills get a reduction
Source: LendingTree consumer survey
And if you qualify for charity care, the bill could be eliminated entirely. Enter your info below to find out.
What caused these medical bills?
Before we check charity care options, let's see if another program should cover your bills first. These programs pay before you'd need charity care.
Including while commuting for work, on a job site, or doing any work-related task
Every state has a Crime Victims Compensation program that can pay medical bills
If a collection agency is contacting you about this bill, you have different rights and options
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate a medical bill?
Yes — and most people who try succeed. Studies show roughly 93% of patients who negotiate their medical bills get a reduction. Hospitals have enormous pricing flexibility. Start by requesting an itemized bill, identifying any errors, and asking the billing department for a financial hardship discount or a payment plan.
What is hospital charity care?
Charity care is free or reduced-cost medical care that nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer to low-income patients. Under IRS rules, any hospital with 501(c)(3) status must have a written financial assistance policy and must offer it to qualifying patients. Income limits vary by hospital — many cover patients up to 200-400% of the federal poverty level.
How do I qualify for hospital financial assistance?
Eligibility is based primarily on your household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL). Most hospitals use a sliding scale. You will typically need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or a self-attestation letter), proof of household size, and identification. Ask the hospital billing department for their "financial assistance" or "charity care" application.
What is a surprise medical bill and how do I fight one?
A surprise bill is when you receive care from an out-of-network provider — often an anesthesiologist, radiologist, or ER physician — at an in-network facility without your knowledge. The No Surprises Act (effective January 2022) limits your cost-sharing to in-network rates for most emergency and certain non-emergency services. If you received a surprise bill after January 1, 2022, you can dispute it and are likely only responsible for your in-network cost-sharing amount.
Can a hospital send me to collections while I dispute a bill?
Under the No Surprises Act and many state laws, hospitals must pause collections during the financial assistance application process. The ACA also requires nonprofit hospitals to make a "reasonable effort" to determine eligibility for financial assistance before referring unpaid bills to collections. If you have applied for assistance, put that in writing and keep a copy.
What errors should I look for on my medical bill?
Common billing errors include duplicate charges, upcoding (billing for a more expensive procedure than was performed), unbundling (charging separately for procedures that should be billed together), charges for services not received, wrong patient or insurance information, and incorrect diagnosis or procedure codes. Request an itemized bill and compare it to your medical records.