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Step 1
Contact the emergency room and tell them that you are not in a financial position that allows you to cover all of the hospital bills. You will be then asked if you would like to be placed on a payment plan. Before you do so, indicate that a payment plan may help, however it will still take a long time to pay off the bill.
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Step 2
Offer to pay a percentage of the dollar amount of your total bill. However, only utilize this resource if it is truly all you can afford. You will have to explain to the hospital what types of financial hardships you are facing that is preventing you from paying your bill.
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Step 3
Ask to speak up with a hospital social worker or financial specialist. Check to see if there are any public or non-profit/charitable assistance programs that you qualify for. Remember that these types of programs are need-based, so you will have to show documentation that you require assistance with your medical bills.
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Step 4
Set up a payment plan once you have negotiated the final dollar amount of your hospital bill. The hospital will transfer you to a financial specialist who will help you set this up. In most cases, the plan will be interest free. Hospitals just want to re-coup their bill, not stick you with payments you can’t afford.
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Step 5
Provide all the information that the hospital needs to process your request. However, be direct as possible. Be polite and courteous when you speak and do not ask for unnecessary requests. This is especially important if this is a health care provider that you visit often. If you are rude or demanding, the hospital may be less apt to work with you.
