The hospital bill came in. I want to pay. What are my options?

Question

I recently received the hospital bill from an emergency visit that required surgery and a brief hospital stay. Let me be clear that the hospital treated us with the utmost professionalism and gave us great care. Unfortunately, like many, we cannot afford insurance and quite frankly the cost of the bill is financially crippling to us. I've contacted the hospital and requested and received an itemized bill. What can I do now? Does anyone know what I can expect when I call them to set up payment arrangements? Is there something I should know that might help me move forward and get my arms around this? Thanks and peace-

Answer 1

Let them know how much you can pay, don't make false promises on what they would like you to pay, be firm on what you can pay and that you are more than willing to give them everything owed. Do that and everything will be fine. You are not alone and financial arrangements of this nature are common. The last thing you need to do after undergoing what you went through is to stress your body

Answer 2

Well, I am sure each case is different, but I will tell you this. When the same happened to me, I called to set up payment arrangements and the hospital was totally set on my paying a monthly amount that I could not afford. So I ended up making them take me to court. The judge agreed with me, and I am paying the hospital what I offered them to begin with. I hope your experience is better, but I wouldn't count on the billing office being reasonable.

Answer 3

You should be able to just call and set up payments like you said. This might be your best option. You can tell them you are struggling with money and they might do something. Honestly though, I understand you can not pay for insurance, but maybe it might not be a bad idea to get it so you don't have huge unexpected bills that cost more then the insurance. Good luck and I hope your doing well!

Answer 4

Every hospital has a program so that people can afford to pay... Contact the billing dept. and explain that you want to pay but can't afford it.... They will take a bunch off the bill, so you pay what an insurance company would and then ask if they have any grant money to assist you. They appreciate people who at least try and have extra options to help field the cost.... Good luck and happy holidays.

Answer 5

I would call them, and talk to them about financial assistance first, and then arrangements to pay. Some hospitals are able to help patients out with some sort of assistance, whether forgiveness, for the bills, and you don't have to pay them, or some how work with you to make the arrangements with you.

Answer 6

Be very honest and work with them to set up a payment plan. Tell them what you can afford and how often you plan to mail them a check. In most, but not all, cases they will work with you because you are wanting to pay them.

Also ask if there are any discounts, assistance, or helps that they can offer

Answer 7

Try explaining your situation to their billing department, as long as you don't ignore the bills and make honest efforts to pay there should be no problem. They will probably use a sliding scale fee based on your income, bills and what you can legitimately afford to pay. As long as you pay on time they should be fine with it.

Answer 8

well you could try getting a loan or call them and set a payment arrangment that fits your income and if they aren't happy with your arrangment then just don't pay all they can do is get the collection agency. i do it all the time cuz those tight wad docters think their so rich they can do whatever they want.
so it's your money and they should be happy with what u give em'

Answer 9

Unless you let us know in what country all this is happening it is very hard to answer.

Eg., Thinks can be resolved in very different ways if you are talking of a hospital/social system in Brazil, New Zealand, England, USA, Spain...

See what I mean?

Answer 10

can medical bills be consolidated?????? its too bad hospital compassion stops at bill paying time.