Medical debt is very common for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.
If your medical debt was incurred at a hospital (including clinics or practices affiliated with a hospital), you may be eligible for Charity Care; if you are eligible, your debt may be reduced or forgiven. Each hospital runs its own Charity Care program and has its own eligibility guidelines.
There may be other financial assistance programs offered by the medical provider where you incurred the debt. It’s a good idea to call and ask about financial assistance programs. Do this as soon as you get the bill or become aware of the debt; if you wait until the debt is sold to collections, you will likely not be eligible for financial assistance or Charity Care.
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To Do: If you have medical debt incurred at a hospital, call and ask about Charity Care. If the debt was incurred outside a hospital, call and ask about financial assistance programs.
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If you need help, the nonprofit Dollar For assists with Charity Care applications.
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