Negotiate First
Hospitals offer: charity care (50-100% discount), no-interest payment plans, itemized bill review (30-80% of bills have errors), and settlement discounts.
Review Every Bill
Request itemized bills. Check for: duplicate charges, charges for services not received, upcoding, charges above contracted rates, and balance billing violations.
Time Your Filing
If facing ongoing treatment, consider waiting until major expenses are incurred. Only pre-filing debts are discharged. Balance timing with collection urgency.
Financial Assistance Programs
Apply for: hospital charity care (required for nonprofits under ACA), Medicaid, state programs, and disease-specific foundations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I negotiate or file bankruptcy?
Try negotiating first. Many hospitals reduce bills 40-80%. If debt remains overwhelming, bankruptcy provides a complete reset.
Should I stop paying before filing?
Consult a bankruptcy attorney. Paying old bills before filing may be a preferential transfer. Paying for ongoing care is different.
Will filing prevent me from getting insurance?
No. Under the ACA, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more based on bankruptcy.
Check your bankruptcy discharge eligibility with our free screening tool.
Free Discharge Screener