For millions of Americans, a medical emergency isn't just a health crisis — it's a financial one. According to a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of Census Bureau data, about 6% of U.S. adults owe more than $1,000 in medical debt.

If you're facing a medical bill you can't afford, you're not alone — and more importantly, you have options.

"There's no shame in medical debt. It's the result of a broken system, not a personal failure," says Jared Walker, founder of Dollar For, a nonprofit that helps patients eliminate medical debt by holding hospitals accountable to their financial assistance (charity care) policies.

In this article, you'll learn five effective strategies to reduce, negotiate, or completely eliminate your medical bills — even if you've already received a statement in the mail.

1. Check if You Qualify for Charity Care or Financial Assistance

Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance or free care to patients who fall within certain income guidelines. Unfortunately, many patients don't know this — or are too overwhelmed to pursue it.

🔍 How to find out:

  • Search "[Your Hospital Name] + Financial Assistance" online.
  • Visit Dollar For's website to see if you qualify through their free eligibility tool.
  • Call the hospital billing office and ask directly about financial assistance policies.

📝 Note: Even some for-profit hospitals offer charity care, although it's not legally required. It never hurts to ask.

2. Request an Itemized Bill and Check for Errors

Medical billing errors are incredibly common — from duplicate charges to incorrect codes. If you receive a bill, always request an itemized statement that includes CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes for each service.

What to check:

  • Were you charged for services you didn't receive?
  • Do the codes match the treatment you actually got?
  • Are there unusually high or unfamiliar charges?

✅ If you spot a problem, call the billing office and dispute the errors immediately.

3. Negotiate Your Bill — Even If It's Accurate

Even if your medical bill is technically correct, that doesn't mean you have to pay the full amount. Medical billing is negotiable.

"The numbers are fake. They can always be lowered," says Walker.

Tips for negotiating:

If you can afford to pay a lump sum, ask:

"What's the discounted amount if I pay this today?"

Walker says many hospitals will settle for 30–50% off if you offer a one-time payment.

💬 This is often called a settlement amount or prompt pay discount.

4. Ask for a No-Interest Payment Plan

If you can't pay a lump sum, don't put the bill on a credit card (high interest) or take out a risky medical loan. Instead, ask:

"Can I be placed on a payment plan?"

Most hospitals offer no- or low-interest payment plans, especially if you demonstrate financial hardship. These plans can be flexible and often prevent the bill from going to collections.

5. Be Persistent — This Takes Time

Resolving medical debt isn't always quick, but it's worth it. Be ready to:

  • Keep calling (you may need multiple attempts)
  • Write down names of billing representatives
  • Document every conversation
  • Ask for support — friends or family can help you make calls or draft letters

🧠 Remember: You're not powerless. You don't have to accept a bill just because it arrived in your mailbox.

Final Thoughts: You Have Rights — Use Them

Medical debt is a widespread problem, but it doesn't have to define your future. With the right information, persistence, and support, you can challenge, reduce, or eliminate even large medical bills.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Organizations like Dollar For exist to support people just like you — and many hospitals have untapped financial assistance programs waiting for you to claim.