Financial help for medical bills exists. Most families don't know how to find it or ask for it.
Medical bills are one of the leading causes of financial hardship in the United States. Financial assistance programs exist at nearly every level of the healthcare system: hospital charity care, government programs, and nonprofit grants. Most families never access them because they don't know they exist or don't know how to apply. This page is for patients and families struggling with medical costs, medical debt, or the cost of ongoing care. It covers what assistance is available, who qualifies, how to apply, and how Ellipses helps families access the aid they are owed.
Follow the trail
Nonprofit hospitals in the United States are required under the Affordable Care Act to have a written financial assistance policy and to make it publicly available. Charity care programs provide free or discounted care to patients who cannot afford to pay their hospital bills based on income and family size. These programs apply to both uninsured and underinsured patients, and in many cases can be applied retroactively to past bills as well as future care.
Hospitals are required to notify patients about their financial assistance policy, but many don't proactively do so. Asking directly, before, during, or after care, is the single most important step a patient can take.
Could you qualify? Get a rough estimate.
Most hospital charity care programs cover households earning 200% to 400% of the federal poverty level. See where your household lands.
of the federal poverty level. Households in this range are commonly eligible for full or significant charity care.
Based on 2026 HHS federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states. This is a rough estimate for conversation purposes, not an eligibility determination. Every hospital sets its own policy.
Request the hospital's written financial assistance policy and an itemized bill. Review the bill for errors before disputing or applying. Errors are common, and fixing them alone can reduce the total significantly.
Gather required documents: proof of income, recent tax returns, bank statements, and documentation of household expenses.
Submit the application by the method the hospital accepts (mail, email, or fax), keep copies of everything, and follow up in writing.
Request written confirmation of any assistance granted, and ask about the appeals process if your application is denied.
Eligibility is typically based on income as a percentage of the federal poverty level. Requirements vary by hospital and state, but most programs cover patients earning up to 200 to 400% of the federal poverty level.
Health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including many services private insurance does not cover. Eligibility is based on income, household size, age, and in some states disability status. Medicaid can cover both current and, in some cases, past medical bills going back to the date of application or earlier.
Health coverage for adults 65 and older and some younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare's Extra Help program assists with prescription drug costs. Medicare Savings Programs help eligible individuals pay premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost coverage for children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance. 211 is a free helpline that connects individuals with local financial assistance resources, including emergency bill assistance, nonprofit grants, and community programs by zip code.
Not sure where you'd fit?
Pick what's closest to your situation and we'll point you toward the program families like yours usually start with.
Select an option above and we'll point you to the program that usually fits best.
Medical bills are negotiable more often than patients realize. Hospitals and healthcare providers regularly reduce or forgive bills for patients who ask, particularly when the patient is uninsured or underinsured or when the cost creates genuine hardship.
Request an itemized bill and review every line item. Billing errors are common, and correction alone can significantly reduce the total.
Ask the billing department directly whether the hospital has a financial assistance or charity care program, and request a payment plan if full payment is not possible.
For large bills, ask whether the hospital will accept a lump-sum settlement for less than the full amount. For debt in collections, patients have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, including the right to dispute and request validation.
Not sure what to actually say? Try a script.
Pick your situation. We'll give you a real phrase to open the conversation.
"Can you tell me if there's a financial assistance or charity care policy I might qualify for, and can you send me the written policy and application?"
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you have the right to request written validation of any debt in collections before paying. Ask for it in writing.
Finding and applying for financial assistance while managing a serious illness or caregiving situation is exactly the kind of work that falls through the cracks. Most families don't have the time, the knowledge of available programs, or the capacity to work through the application process while also managing care.
Ellipses helps families identify what assistance programs they may be eligible for, gather the required documentation, submit applications, and follow up through the process. We also help families review medical bills for errors, negotiate with billing departments, and connect with legal aid resources when medical debt has become a legal matter.
Financial assistance for medical bills is not charity. It is a right built into the healthcare system. We help families access it.
No commitment required.
Serving patients and families in Raleigh, NC and nationwide.
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