Action Plan: Medical bill payment options
Your situation: Medical bill payment options
This action plan applies to you if:
- You got care at a health care facility, including the emergency room
- You got a medical bill that you can’t pay for
- You didn’t use health insurance
Not your situation?
Answer a few questions, and we’ll get you to the right place.
Action Plan
High medical bills are frustrating. Follow these steps to reduce the cost of your care.
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 health 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 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.
Learn how to dispute your bill
Ask for a lower bill.
Providers (or their billing departments) can sometimes lower the price. They may also offer payment plans. Talk to your provider to learn about your options.
Get tips for talking to your provider
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 you 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.
Page Last Modified:
08/21/2026 12:08 PM