Action Plan: Received a bill, not using health insurance
Your situation: You got a bill and didn’t use health insurance
This action plan applies to you if:
- You got a medical bill that’s higher than expected
- You didn’t use insurance
Not your situation?
Answer a few questions, and we’ll get you to the right place.
Did you get care in the emergency room and didn’t use insurance? This plan doesn’t apply to you. Read our medical bill payment options action plan.
Action Plan
Unexpected high medical bills are frustrating. You may be able to reduce your cost. Here’s what you can do.
Check your bill for errors.
Does your bill match what happened when you got care? Are you getting billed twice for the same thing or for services you didn’t get?
Compare your bill to your good faith estimate.
A good faith estimate is a list of expected charges for health care items and services. You can ask for a good faith estimate before you get care if you’re not using insurance.
You won’t get a good faith estimate if you:
- Got care in an emergency room
- Scheduled care less than 3 days in advance
Read more about good faith estimates
If you didn’t get a good faith estimate, and you think you should have, submit a complaint.
In most cases, your provider is required to give you a good faith estimate before you get care. When you submit a complaint, you’re still responsible for paying the bill. But it will ensure that you and other patients get a good faith estimate in the future.
Talk to your provider’s billing department. Ask why your bill was higher than your good faith estimate.
You could be charged more than the estimate if you get items or services that your provider didn’t expect. Or there might be an error.
You may be able to lower the price either way.
Get tips for talking to your provider
If any of your providers charged at least $400 more than the estimate, dispute your bill.
You have the right to dispute your bill if it’s at least $400 more than a provider’s estimate.
An independent third party will review your bill. They will determine if you were charged too much. If you were, your bill will be reduced.
Ask for financial assistance.
Nonprofit hospitals must give financial assistance to eligible patients who can’t afford to pay. If you got care elsewhere, they may still offer financial assistance.
Ask your health care facility’s billing department about financial help.
Learn how to apply for financial assistance
Get help from outside resources.
Here are more resources to help resolve your issue:
Consumer Assistance Programs
Consumer Assistance Programs may be able to give you advice for your specific case in the state you got care.
Patient advocates
Patient advocates can handle medical billing issues on your behalf.
Friends and family
Consider asking a loved one for help. They can advocate on your behalf if you’re feeling sick or overwhelmed.
Still have questions? Find the answers you need in a way that works for you.
Call the No Surprises Help Desk
Get answers about the No Surprises Act. Call our Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059. We can help you in English, Spanish and over 350 other languages.
Find a patient advocate near you
Patient advocates can help you navigate the healthcare system. Work with an advocate to get the care and resources you need.
Page Last Modified:
08/25/2026 04:05 PM