How to Get Help Paying Doctor Bills

Medical expenses can pose a significant financial burden for those with no monetary means to immediately pay the bills. The inability to pay a doctor's bill may arise because an individual lost his job, is uninsured or was denied repayment by the insurance company. Regardless of the reason, many individuals find means of postponing payment or receiving assistance with covering the fees related to such medical expenses.

Instructions

1

Review the documents issued by the medical institution and the insurance company if the insurance agency has refused coverage for the medical event. If you are uninsured, skip to Step 3. Insurance companies and hospitals may process thousands of patients a month, and your form and/or bill may contain errors that one or both parties overlooked. Ask for clarification on expenses to ensure you are being charged for services you actually received.

2

Compare the names and identification numbers (e.g. social security number or insurance number) on all forms to ensure accuracy; a misspelled name or missing number may have caused your claim to be rejected inadvertently. Also check that the insurance company noted on your medical bill is the company and plan that you use. Notify the doctor's office if you notice errors during Step 1 or Step 2 so that they may rebill the insurance company.

3

Obtain government assistance with paying the doctor bills if you don't have insurance. If you meet certain criteria, the state and/or federal government will provide funding through the U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs to cover necessary medical expenses. Examples include pregnant women and individuals over the age of 65. Both programs also cover necessary medical events that have already passed. Contact the local office for Medicare and Medicaid to determine your eligibility (see Resources).

4

Ask the doctor's office or medical institution for a customized payment plan. Many institutions would rather create payment plans for patients who are unable to pay up front instead of forcing the patient into bankruptcy, because the latter increases the institution's risk of not getting paid at all. The office may ask you to draft a letter explaining your personal circumstances, as well as provide documentation of economic hardship (e.g., bank statements or proof of unemployment).