How to get help with medical bills

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr"> <head> <link rel="preconnect" href="https://script.crazyegg.com" crossorigin> <link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com" crossorigin> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://www.usa.gov/es/ayuda-gastos-medicos" data-type="altlang" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills" data-type="conlang" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills" /> <title>How to get help with medical bills | USAGov</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/ajax-progress.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/align.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/autocomplete-loading.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/fieldgroup.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/container-inline.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/clearfix.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/details.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/hidden.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/item-list.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/js.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/nowrap.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/position-container.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/progress.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/reset-appearance.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/resize.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/sticky-header.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/system-status-counter.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/system-status-report-counters.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/system-status-report-general-info.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/tabledrag.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/tablesort.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/system/css/components/tree-child.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/modules/views/css/views.module.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/modules/contrib/uswds_paragraph_components/modules/uswds_paragraph_components_cards/css/uswds-paragraph-components-cards.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/modules/contrib/paragraphs/css/paragraphs.unpublished.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/modules/custom/usa_admin_styles/css/usa_admin_styles.css?snbqot" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/themes/custom/usagov/css/styles.css?snbqot" /> <script id="taxonomy-data"> dataLayer = [{ "nodeID": "95", "language": "en", "homepageTest": "not_homepage", "basicPagesubType": "Standard Page", "contentType": "basic_page", "Page_Type": "Content Page", "Taxonomy_Text_1": "Home", "Taxonomy_Text_2": "Health", "Taxonomy_Text_3": "Help with medical expenses", "Taxonomy_Text_4": "Help with medical expenses", "Taxonomy_Text_5": "Help with medical expenses", "Taxonomy_Text_6": "Help with medical expenses", "Taxonomy_URL_1": "/", "Taxonomy_URL_2": "/health", "Taxonomy_URL_3": "/help-with-medical-bills", "Taxonomy_URL_4": "/help-with-medical-bills", "Taxonomy_URL_5": "/help-with-medical-bills", "Taxonomy_URL_6": "/help-with-medical-bills", "hasBenefitCategory": true, "benefitCategories": "Children and families; Disabilities; Health; Retirement and seniors" }]; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-W8LW6DB');</script>  <meta name="description" content="Learn how government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, the ACA, and COBRA can help with health expenses. And see how to get prescriptions and vaccines." />  <link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/usagov/images/Favicon_USAGov.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" href="/themes/custom/usagov/images/Favicon_USAGov.png">  <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:title" content="How to get help with medical bills | USAGov" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Learn how government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, the ACA, and COBRA can help with health expenses. And see how to get prescriptions and vaccines." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.usa.gov/themes/custom/usagov/images/Logo_USAGov.png" /> <meta property="og:image:secure_url" content="https://www.usa.gov/themes/custom/usagov/images/Logo_USAGov.png" /> <meta name="referrer" content="no-referrer-when-downgrade" />  <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "url": "https://usa.gov/", "logo": "https://www.usa.gov/themes/custom/usagov/images/Logo_USAGov.png" } </script> <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Find help paying for medical care", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>Government programs can help pay for medical care. Depending on the program, you may also be eligible for help with vision and dental care. Your income, age, employment status, and qualifying health issues will determine your eligibility. These programs include:</p><ul><li>Medicaid</li><li>Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)</li><li>Medicare</li><li>The Affordable Care Act (ACA) / Health Insurance Marketplace</li><li>Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)</li></ul><p><a href=\"/health-insurance\">Learn how these programs work, find out if you are eligible, and see how to apply.</a></p><h3><strong>More help with medical bills after insurance</strong></h3><p>If you already receive coverage from Medicaid, Medicare, ACA Marketplace, or other insurance, additional programs may provide further support.</p><ul><li>Medicare Savings Programs - There are 4 Medicare Savings Programs that may be able to help with Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. <a href=\"https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs\">Learn more about the Medicare Savings Programs, if you qualify, and how to apply.</a></li><li>Medicare Extra Help - This program can help you pay Medicare Part D costs that cover prescription drugs. <a href=\"https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs\">Find out if you qualify for Extra Help and apply.</a></li><li>Charity care - If you still need help with medical bills after health insurance or Medicaid payments have been applied, a charity care program may assist you with the remaining costs. In most cases, you can apply for charity care through a doctor or hospital where you are seeking medical treatment. <a href=\"https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/is-there-financial-help-for-my-medical-bills-en-2124/\">Learn more about charity care and how it works.</a></li></ul>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Get help paying for prescription drugs", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<ul><li><a href=\"https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/pharmaceutical-assistance-program?lang=en&year=2022\">Contact the pharmaceutical companies that make your prescription drugs or devices.</a> Ask them about low-cost options, samples, or discounts.</li><li><a href=\"https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic-drugs-questions-answers\">Learn about generic drugs</a> and how they can lower your costs.</li><li><a href=\"/state-social-services\">State social services agencies</a> provide direct assistance to people with limited access to health care. They can offer referrals to local health centers and organizations that may be able to help.</li><li>If you are eligible for Medicare, you can get help paying for your prescriptions through <a href=\"https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d\">Medicare Part D</a>.</li><li>To get prescription coverage if you choose Medicare Part C, be sure to select a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage. <a href=\"https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12026-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Plans.pdf\">Learn more about Medicare Part C plans</a> beginning on page 12 of Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans.</li></ul>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Find free or low-cost vaccines", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>Depending on your income, age, and health insurance coverage, you or your children may be eligible for free vaccinations.</p><ul><li>Use <a href=\"https://www.vaccines.gov/\">Vaccines.gov</a> to find free COVID-19 vaccinations near you.</li><li>Learn about the <a href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/about/index.html\">Vaccines for Children program (VFC)</a> for free childhood immunizations.</li><li>Search for a <a href=\"https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/\">local health center</a> that can give your family immunizations at a cost based on your income.</li></ul>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Other programs offering free and low-cost medical care", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>Some government programs offer free or low-cost care for different health conditions, including:</p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/about/screenings.html\">National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)</a> - Get free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings. Eligibility for NBCCEDP is based on income, age, and whether you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover screenings.</li><li><a href=\"https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/hiv-care/services\">Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program</a> - Find help in your state or local area with HIV/AIDS medications and treatments. You may qualify for this program based on your income. And you must be uninsured, or the treatments and medications you need are not covered by your current insurance plan.</li></ul>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Get help paying medical bills through debt management", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "<p>In some cases, you may be able to get help paying your medical bills with a debt management plan. This involves a payment schedule that a credit counselor develops based on your situation. When you make a payment, your money is deposited into an account with the credit counseling organization, which then pays your debt. You may be able to get lower interest rates and certain fees waived to help make it easier to pay off your medical debt. <a href=\"https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-get-out-debt#:~:text=What%E2%80%99s%20a%20debt%20management%20plan%3F\">Learn more about debt management and how it works.</a></p>" } } ] } </script> </head> <body>  <noscript><iframe title="GTM" sandbox src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W8LW6DB" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <a href="#skip-to-h1" class="usa-skipnav usa-sr-only focusable"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended" id="header"> <div class="usa-banner-inner"> <div> <section class="usa-banner" aria-label="An official website of the United States government" id="usagov-banner"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <div class="usa-banner__header" role="banner"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img aria-hidden="true" class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/favicon-57.png" alt="U.S Flag" /> </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text"> An official website of the United States government </p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action usa-banner__header-action-mobile">Here's how you know</p> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="16" class="usa-banner_expand_arrow usa-banner__header-action"> <path d="M0 0h24v24H0z" fill="none"/> <path d="M16.59 8.59L12 13.17 7.41 8.59 6 10l6 6 6-6z"/> </svg> </div> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default"> <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here's how you know</span> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="16" class="usa-banner_expand_arrow usa-banner__button-text"> <path d="M0 0h24v24H0z" fill="none"/> <path d="M16.59 8.59L12 13.17 7.41 8.59 6 10l6 6 6-6z"/> </svg> </button> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/usagov/assets/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Official websites use .gov</strong><br /> A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/usagov/assets/img/icon-https.svg" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong><br /> A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false"> <title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title> <desc id="banner-lock-description-default">Locked padlock icon</desc> <path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z" /> </svg> </span> ) or <strong>https://</strong> means you鈥檝e safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <script> document.getElementById('gov-banner-default').setAttribute('hidden', 'until-found'); </script><div id="block-usagov-mobilemenublock" class="settings-tray-editable block block-usagov-menus block-usagov-mobile-menu-block" data-drupal-settingstray="editable"> <nav aria-label="Primary navigation" class="usa-nav usagov-mobile-menu"> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <div class="usagov-mobile-menu-top"> <div class="usagov-mobile-menu-controls"> <a id="home-link-mobile-menu" href="/"> <svg class="usa-icon text-base-darkest"> <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/usagov/assets/img/sprite.svg#home"></use> </svg> Home </a> <button class="usa-nav__close"> <svg class="usa-icon text-base-darkest"> <use xlink:href="/themes/custom/usagov/assets/img/sprite.svg#highlight_off"></use> </svg> Close </button> </div> <div class="usa-nav__secondary">  <form id="usagov_all_gov-mobile" class="usa-search usa-search--small" action="https://search.usa.gov/search" method="get" name="search_form" accept-charset="UTF-8" role="search"> <label id="top-srch-mobile-menu" class="usa-sr-only" for="search-field-small-mobile-menu">Search</label> <input id="affiliate-mobile-menu" name="affiliate" type="hidden" value="usagov_all_gov"> <input id="search-field-small-mobile-menu" class="usa-input text usagov-search-autocomplete ui-autocomplete-input" type="search" name="query" placeholder="Search all government" onfocus="this.placeholder" autocomplete="off" /> <button class="usa-button usagov-button" type="submit"> <img src="/themes/custom/usagov/components/searchbar/images/search--dark.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search"> </button> </form> <span class="usa-nav__secondary-links"> <span id="top-phone-mobile-menu" class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/phone" class="">1-844-USAGOV1</a> </span> </span> </div> </div> <ul class="navigation__items ancestors"> <li class="navigation__item umbrella"> <a href="/health">Health</a> </li> <li class="navigation__item"> <ul class="navigation__items"> <li class="navigation__item sibling"> <a href="/health-insurance">Health insurance</a> </li> <li class="navigation__item active"> <a href="#">Help with medical expenses</a> </li> <li class="navigation__item sibling"> <a href="/mental-health">Mental health</a> </li> <li class="navigation__item sibling"> <a href="/substance-abuse">Substance abuse</a> </li> <li class="navigation__item sibling"> <a href="/covid-tests-vaccinations">COVID-19 testing and vaccinations</a> </li> <li class="navigation__item sibling"> <a href="/health-information">Health information from MedlinePlus</a> </li> <li class="navigation__item sibling"> <a href="/state-health">State health departments</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-modal field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-modal paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--id--2532"> <a href="#paragraph--id--2532" class="usa-button usa-button--unstyled padding-105 text-center" aria-controls="paragraph--id--2532" data-open-modal hidden></a> </div> <div class="usa-modal" id="paragraph--id--2532" aria-labelledby="2532-heading" aria-describedby="2532-description" data-force-action hidden> <div class="usa-modal__content"> <div class="usa-modal__main"> <h1 class="usa-modal__heading" id="2532-heading"> Welcome to USA.gov </h1> <div id="2532-description" class="usa-prose"> <div class="field field--name-field-modal-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Benefits.gov has been discontinued. USA.gov is the new centralized place for finding government benefits for health care, housing, food, unemployment, and more.</p></div> </div> <div class="usa-modal__footer"> <ul class="usa-button-group"> <li class="usa-button-group__item"> <button type="button" class="usa-button border border-ink hover:border" data-close-modal> Continue to USA.gov </button> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-modal-name="b-welcome-1899" data-modal-id="2532"></div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-navbar"> <div class="usa-logo" id="extended-logo"> <em class="usa-logo-text"> <a href="/" title="USAGov Logo"> <img src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/USAGov_logo_51px.png" srcset="/themes/custom/usagov/images/USAGov_Logo_80px.png 80w, /themes/custom/usagov/images/USAGov_Logo_51px.png 51w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80px, 51px" alt="USAGov Logo"> </a> </em> </div> <div class="navbar-right"> <a href="/es/ayuda-gastos-medicos" class="usa-button language-link" hreflang="es" role="button">Espa帽ol</a> <button class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <span class="usa-nav__secondary-links"> <span id="top-phone" class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/phone" style="white-space: nowrap;">Call us at 1-844-USAGOV1</a> </span> </span>  <form id="usagov_all_gov-desktop" class="usa-search usa-search--small" action="https://search.usa.gov/search" method="get" name="search_form" accept-charset="UTF-8" role="search"> <label id="top-srch" class="usa-sr-only" for="search-field-small">Search</label> <input id="affiliate" name="affiliate" type="hidden" value="usagov_all_gov"> <input id="search-field-small" class="usa-input text usagov-search-autocomplete ui-autocomplete-input" type="search" name="query" placeholder="Search all government" onfocus="this.placeholder" autocomplete="off" /> <button class="usa-button usagov-button" type="submit"> <img src="/themes/custom/usagov/components/searchbar/images/search--dark.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search"> </button> </form> </div> </div> </div> <nav aria-label="Primary navigation" class="usa-nav"> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <button class="usa-nav__close"> <img src="/themes/custom/usagov/assets/img/usa-icons/close.svg" alt="Close"/> </button> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item usa-nav___primary-item-smaller-padding"> <a href=/#all-topics-header class="usa-nav__link"> <span>All topics and services</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item usa-nav___primary-item-smaller-padding"> <a href=/about-the-us class="usa-nav__link"> <span>The U.S. and its government</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item usa-nav___primary-item-smaller-padding"> <a href=/benefits class="usa-nav__link"> <span>Government benefits</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item usa-nav___primary-item-smaller-padding"> <a href=/immigration-and-citizenship class="usa-nav__link"> <span>Immigration and U.S. citizenship</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item usa-nav___primary-item-smaller-padding"> <a href=/money class="usa-nav__link"> <span>Money and credit</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item usa-nav___primary-item-smaller-padding"> <a href=/travel class="usa-nav__link"> <span>Travel</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item usa-nav___primary-item-smaller-padding"> <a href=/voting-and-elections class="usa-nav__link"> <span>Voting and elections</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </header> <main class="main-content usa-layout-docs usa-section " id="main-content" data-pagetype="Standard Page"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row breadcrumb-spacing"> <div> <div id="block-usagov-breadcrumbs" class="settings-tray-editable block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block" data-drupal-settingstray="editable"> <nav class="margin-top-neg-3 mobile-lg:margin-top-2 tablet:margin-top-neg-3 desktop:margin-top-0 margin-bottom-2" aria-label="Breadcrumb"> <ol class="usa-breadcrumb__list" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item " itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="/" class="usa-breadcrumb__link" itemprop="item"> <span itemprop="name"> Home </span> </a> <meta itemprop="position" content="1" /> </li> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item " itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="/health" class="usa-breadcrumb__link" itemprop="item"> <span itemprop="name"> Health </span> </a> <meta itemprop="position" content="2" /> </li> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item usa-breadcrumb__currrent" itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <span itemprop="name">Help with medical expenses</span> <meta itemprop="position" content="3" /> </li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <aside class="usa-layout-docs__sidenav desktop:grid-col-4 layout-sidebar-first"> <div id="block-usagov-leftmenusidebarblock" class="settings-tray-editable block block-usagov-menus block-usagov-sidebarfirst-block" data-drupal-settingstray="editable"> <nav aria-label="Secondary"> <ul class="usa-sidenav"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/health" class="active-trail"> Health </a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/health-insurance"> Health insurance </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <div class="active-trail usa-current"> <p class="usa-sr-only">current page</p> Help with medical expenses </div> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/mental-health"> Mental health </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/substance-abuse"> Substance abuse </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/covid-tests-vaccinations"> COVID-19 testing and vaccinations </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/health-information"> Health information from MedlinePlus </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/state-health"> State health departments </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </aside> <div class="usa-layout-docs__main usa-prose desktop:grid-col-8"> <h1 class="text-red-50" id ="skip-to-h1" > <span>How to get help with medical bills</span> </h1> <div id="block-usagov-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <div class="content-wrapper"> <div class="usa-prose"> <p class="usa-intro"> Find out how you can get help with medical bills through free or low-cost medical care, government health insurance programs, or a medical debt management plan. </p> </div> <div class="usa-prose body-copy"><h2><strong>Find help paying for medical care</strong></h2><p>Government programs can help pay for medical care. Depending on the program, you may also be eligible for help with vision and dental care. Your income, age, employment status, and qualifying health issues will determine your eligibility. These programs include:</p><ul><li>Medicaid</li><li>Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)</li><li>Medicare</li><li>The Affordable Care Act (ACA) / Health Insurance Marketplace</li><li>Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)</li></ul><p><a href="/health-insurance">Learn how these programs work, find out if you are eligible, and see how to apply.</a></p><h3><strong>More help with medical bills after insurance</strong></h3><p>If you already receive coverage from Medicaid, Medicare, ACA Marketplace, or other insurance, additional programs may provide further support.</p><ul><li>Medicare Savings Programs - There are 4 Medicare Savings Programs that may be able to help with Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs">Learn more about the Medicare Savings Programs, if you qualify, and how to apply.</a></li><li>Medicare Extra Help - This program can help you pay Medicare Part D costs that cover prescription drugs. <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs">Find out if you qualify for Extra Help and apply.</a></li><li>Charity care - If you still need help with medical bills after health insurance or Medicaid payments have been applied, a charity care program may assist you with the remaining costs. In most cases, you can apply for charity care through a doctor or hospital where you are seeking medical treatment. <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/is-there-financial-help-for-my-medical-bills-en-2124/">Learn more about charity care and how it works.</a></li></ul><h2><strong>Get help paying for prescription drugs</strong></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/pharmaceutical-assistance-program?lang=en&year=2022">Contact the pharmaceutical companies that make your prescription drugs or devices.</a> Ask them about low-cost options, samples, or discounts.</li><li><a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic-drugs-questions-answers">Learn about generic drugs</a> and how they can lower your costs.</li><li><a href="/state-social-services">State social services agencies</a> provide direct assistance to people with limited access to health care. They can offer referrals to local health centers and organizations that may be able to help.</li><li>If you are eligible for Medicare, you can get help paying for your prescriptions through <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d">Medicare Part D</a>.</li><li>To get prescription coverage if you choose Medicare Part C, be sure to select a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers prescription drug coverage. <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12026-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Plans.pdf">Learn more about Medicare Part C plans</a> beginning on page 12 of Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans.</li></ul><h2><strong>Find free or low-cost vaccines</strong></h2><p>Depending on your income, age, and health insurance coverage, you or your children may be eligible for free vaccinations.</p><ul><li>Use <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/">Vaccines.gov</a> to find free COVID-19 vaccinations near you.</li><li>Learn about the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children/about/index.html">Vaccines for Children program (VFC)</a> for free childhood immunizations.</li><li>Search for a <a href="https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/">local health center</a> that can give your family immunizations at a cost based on your income.</li></ul><h2><strong>Other programs offering free and low-cost medical care</strong></h2><p>Some government programs offer free or low-cost care for different health conditions, including:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/about/screenings.html">National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)</a> - Get free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings. Eligibility for NBCCEDP is based on income, age, and whether you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover screenings.</li><li><a href="https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/hiv-care/services">Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program</a> - Find help in your state or local area with HIV/AIDS medications and treatments. You may qualify for this program based on your income. And you must be uninsured, or the treatments and medications you need are not covered by your current insurance plan.</li></ul><h2><strong>Get help paying medical bills through debt management</strong></h2><p>In some cases, you may be able to get help paying your medical bills with a debt management plan. This involves a payment schedule that a credit counselor develops based on your situation. When you make a payment, your money is deposited into an account with the credit counseling organization, which then pays your debt. You may be able to get lower interest rates and certain fees waived to help make it easier to pay off your medical debt. <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-get-out-debt#:~:text=What%E2%80%99s%20a%20debt%20management%20plan%3F">Learn more about debt management and how it works.</a></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container settings-tray-editable block block-views block-views-blockwizard-step-test-block-1" id="block-views-block-wizard-step-test-block-1" data-drupal-settingstray="editable"> <div><div class="js-view-dom-id-920b3669d587def6da75b2640155aa8af18c465f93c253f2363e0fa8b2755bf4"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="additional_body_info"> <p id="last-updated">LAST UPDATED: November 19, 2024 </p> <div id="sm-share"> <span id="share-page">SHARE THIS PAGE:</span> <div class="share-icons"> <a aria-labelledby="share-page fb" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills&v=3"> <div class="share-icon-div"> <img class="share-icon" id="fb" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/social-media-icons/Facebook_Icon.svg" alt="Facebook"/> </div> </a> <a aria-labelledby="share-page twr" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=webclient&text=https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills"> <div class="share-icon-div"> <img class="share-icon" id="twr" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/social-media-icons/X_Twitter_Icon.svg " alt="X Twitter USAGov"/> </div> </a> <a aria-labelledby="share-page em" href="mailto:?subject=https://www.usa.gov/help-with-medical-bills"> <div class="share-icon-div"> <img class="share-icon" id="em" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/social-media-icons/Email_Icon.svg" alt="Email"/> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="border-top-05 border-base-lightest"></div> <div id="question-box"> <div class="border-left-1 padding-left-205 border-cyan-10 margin-top-8 margin-bottom-9 padding-bottom-2"> <h2 class="font-family-heading margin-top-0"> Have a question? </h2> <p>Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.</p> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4 margin-bottom-2"> <a class="question-icon" href="/phone"> <img class="chat-icon" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/ICONS_talk.png" alt="talk icon"> Call USAGov </a> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-8"> <a class="question-icon" href="/chat"> <img class="chat-icon" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/ICONS_chat.png" alt="chat icon"> Chat with USAGov </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="pagesurvey-qual-container"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <a id="back-to-top" href="#main-content" aria-label="Back to top"> Top </a> </main> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--big"> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-8"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-label="Footer navigation"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class=" usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible "> <h3 class="usa-gov-footer__primary-link">Government information</h3> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/#all-topics-header">All topics and services</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/agency-index">Directory of U.S. government agencies and departments</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/branches-of-government">Branches of government</a> </li> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class=" usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible "> <h3 class="usa-gov-footer__primary-link">About us</h3> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link ftr-list"> <a href="/about">About USAGov</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/privacy-security">Privacy and security policies</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/accessibility-policy">Accessibility policy</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/site-issue-report-form">Report a website issue</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/website-analytics/">Website usage data</a> </li> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class=" usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible "> <h3 class="usa-gov-footer__primary-link">For federal agencies</h3> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/partner-with-usagov">Partner with us</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://blog.usa.gov/">Read our blog</a> </li> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class=" usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible "> <h3 class="usa-gov-footer__primary-link">For media</h3> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link ftr-list"> <a href="/outreach">USAGov Outreach</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/features">Feature articles</a> </li> </ul> </section> </div> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <div class="usa-sign-up"> <h4 class="usa-sign-up__heading"> Sign up to receive email updates </h4> <form class="usa-form" action="https://connect.usa.gov/subscribe" method="get"> <label class="usa-label" for="footer-email"> Enter your email </label> <input class="usa-input" id="footer-email" name="email" type="email"> <div class="footer-button-container"> <button class="usa-button footer-button" type="submit"> Sign up </button> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/newFooter.js" defer></script> <div class="usa-footer__secondary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="usa-footer__logo grid-row mobile-lg:grid-col-6"> <div id="footer-phone"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto"> <h4 class="usa-footer__logo-heading">USAGov Contact Center</h4> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto"> <p class="footer-question">Ask USA.gov a question at</p> <address class="usa-footer__address"> <div class="usa-footer__contact-info"> <a href="/phone">1-844-USAGOV1 (1-844-872-4681)</a> </div> </address> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-footer__contact-links mobile-lg:grid-col-6"> <div class="footer-social-block"> <h4 class="usa-footer__contact-heading">Find us on social media</h4> <div class="usa-footer__social-links en-links grid-row grid-gap-1"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/USAgov"> <img class="image-svg-test" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/social-media-icons/Facebook_Icon.svg" alt="Facebook USAGov" loading="lazy"/> <span>Facebook</span> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://twitter.com/USAgov"> <img class="image-svg-test" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/social-media-icons/X_Twitter_Icon.svg" alt="X Twitter USAGov" loading="lazy"/> <span>Twitter</span> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/usagov1"> <img class="image-svg-test" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/social-media-icons/YouTube_Icon.svg" alt="Youtube USAGov" loading="lazy"/> <span>YouTube</span> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.instagram.com/usagov"> <img class="image-svg-test" src="/themes/custom/usagov/images/social-media-icons/Instagram_Icon.svg" alt="Instagram USAGov" loading="lazy"/> <span>Instagram</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-identifier"> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--usagov" aria-label="USAGov is the official guide to government information and services"> <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <section class="usa-identifier__identity" aria-label="An official website of the U.S. General Services Administration"> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer">USAGov is the official guide to government information and services</p> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer">An official website of the <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/">U.S. General Services Administration</a></p> </section> </div> </section> <nav class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--required-links" aria-label="Important links"> <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <ul class="usa-identifier__required-links-list"> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/accessibility-statement?footer=" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link"> GSA accessibility support </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/website-policies#privacy" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link"> GSA privacy policy </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/freedom-of-information-act-foia" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link"> FOIA requests </a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> </footer> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/95","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"top_nav_menu":[{"\/#all-topics-header":"usa-nav__topics"},{"\/about-the-us":"usa-nav__about"},{"\/money":"usa-nav__money"},{"\/laws-and-legal-issues":"usa-nav__law"},{"\/scams-and-fraud":"usa-nav__scams"},{"\/benefits":"usa-nav_benefits"},{"\/housing-help":"usa-nav_housing"},{"\/immigration-and-citizenship":null},{"\/taxes":"usa-nav_taxes"},{"\/travel":"usa-nav_travel"},{"\/voting-and-elections":null}],"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"d1c04b126ff7c0e4a0c431854e2067a7a0d112dd891977ea8c3016e03dd27608"}}</script> <script src="/core/assets/vendor/jquery/jquery.min.js?v=3.7.1"></script> <script src="/core/assets/vendor/once/once.min.js?v=1.0.1"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupalSettingsLoader.js?v=10.2.8"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupal.js?v=10.2.8"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupal.init.js?v=10.2.8"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/uswds.min.js?v=1"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/uswds-init.min.js?v=1"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/newFooter.js?v=1"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/phoneForMobile.js?v=1"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/callCenterWaitTimeLookup.js?v=1"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/accessibleButtonLinks.js?v=1"></script> <script src="/modules/custom/usagov_top_navigation_menu/js/addMenuStyles.js?snbqot"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/uswds_ckeditor_integration/js/aftermarket/uswds_accordion.js?snbqot"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/lazyloadBgImage.js?snbqot"></script> <script src="/core/modules/sdc/../../../themes/custom/usagov/components/searchbar/searchbar.js?snbqot"></script> <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/modal.js?snbqot"></script>  <script> //<![CDATA[ var usasearch_config = { siteHandle:"usagov_all_gov" }; var script = document.createElement("script"); script.type = "text/javascript"; script.src = "https://search.usa.gov/javascripts/remote.loader.js"; document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0].appendChild(script); //]]> </script> <script> // Set a variable for our button element. const scrollToTopButton = document.getElementById('back-to-top'); // Let's set up a function that shows our scroll-to-top button if we scroll beyond the height of the initial window. const scrollFunc = () => { // Get the current scroll value let y = window.scrollY; // If the scroll value is greater than the window height, let's add a class to the scroll-to-top button to show it! if (y > 500) { scrollToTopButton.className = "stuck"; } else { scrollToTopButton.className = ""; } }; window.addEventListener("scroll", scrollFunc); const scrollToTop = () => { // Let's set a variable for the number of pixels we are from the top of the document. const c = document.documentElement.scrollTop || document.body.scrollTop; // If that number is greater than 0, we'll scroll back to 0, or the top of the document. // We'll also animate that scroll with requestAnimationFrame: // https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/window/requestAnimationFrame if (c > 0) { window.requestAnimationFrame(scrollToTop); // ScrollTo takes an x and a y coordinate. // Increase the '10' value to get a smoother/slower scroll! window.scrollTo(0, c - c / 10); } }; // When the button is clicked, run our ScrolltoTop function above! // scrollToTopButton.onclick = function(e) { // e.preventDefault(); // scrollToTop(); // } </script>  <script> /*<![CDATA[*/ (function() { var sz = document.createElement('script'); sz.type = 'text/javascript'; sz.async = true; sz.src = '//siteimproveanalytics.com/js/siteanalyze_51567.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(sz, s); })(); /*]]>*/ </script>   <script> document.querySelectorAll(".usa-accordion__content").forEach((accordionContent) => { accordionContent.onbeforematch = () => { //accordionContent.removeAttribute("hidden"); document.querySelector("[aria-controls='"+accordionContent.id+"']").setAttribute("aria-expanded", "true"); }; }); // Select the node that will be observed for mutations //<![CDATA[ var targetNode = document.getElementById('main-content'); // Options for the observer (which mutations to observe) var config = { attributes: true, childList: true, subtree: true }; // Callback function to execute when mutations are observed var callback = function(mutationsList, observer) { // Use traditional 'for loops' for IE 11 for(let mutation of mutationsList) { if (mutation.type === 'childList') { // console.log('A child node has been added or removed.'); document.querySelector(".QSIUserDefinedHTML")?.children[0].removeAttribute("tabindex"); // Later, you can stop observing //observer.disconnect(); }else if (mutation.type === 'attributes') { //console.log('The ' + mutation.attributeName + ' attribute was modified.'); document.querySelectorAll(".usa-accordion__content[hidden='']").forEach((hiddenAccordion) => { hiddenAccordion.setAttribute("hidden", "until-found"); }); } } }; // Create an observer instance linked to the callback function var observer = new MutationObserver(callback); // Start observing the target node for configured mutations observer.observe(targetNode, config); //]]> </script>   <script src="/themes/custom/usagov/scripts/modifyMobileNav.js"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

How to get help with medical bills | USAGov