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Struggling with Medical Bills? is a Medicare topic. Struggling with Medical Bills? refers to practical
guidance here. Struggling with Medical Bills? — more below. Unlike generic summaries, we
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one-to-one with Struggling with Medical Bills?.
Step-by-step help to cut medical costs using charity care, No Surprises Act protections, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, LIHEAP, and Lifeline.
Short answer: Struggling with Medical Bills is a Medicare and patient-advocacy topic that refers to practical guidance for Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Step-by-step help to cut medical costs using charity care, No Surprises Act protections, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, LIHEAP, and Lifeline. Understood Care advocates handle struggling with medical bills? directly for members — unlike generic web summaries, this guidance is drawn from our case work with real Medicare beneficiaries across 50 states.
Published · Updated
Medically reviewed by the Understood Care Editorial Team — licensed patient advocates and registered nurses. Our advocates have handled thousands of Medicare claims and appeals; this article reflects direct case work, not a generic summary. How we research and review.
Step-by-step help to cut medical costs using charity care, No Surprises Act protections, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, LIHEAP, and Lifeline.
If you’re overwhelmed by bills, you’re not alone
In short: If you are choosing between paying for care and paying for basics like electricity, water, gas, internet, or the phone you need to reach your doctor, you’re not alone.
If you are choosing between paying for care and paying for basics like electricity, water, gas, internet, or the phone you need to reach your doctor, you’re not alone. Many patients and caregivers face the same stress. The good news is there are proven programs and protections that can reduce medical costs, prevent surprise bills, and connect you with help for essential utilities. This guide explains what to ask, who to call, and how an Understood Care advocate can stand by you through each step.
From the video: "My name is Madelyn Vicente, and I’m a health advocate with Understood Care. Every day we talk with people who can’t keep up with monthly bills like electricity, water, gas, internet, and telephone. We connect patients with community programs that help pay these bills, especially now with higher prices and changes to Medicaid coverage. You don’t have to solve this alone. We can help you figure out your options and apply.”
What to do first: quick actions that save time and money
In short: What to do first: quick actions that save time and money: Call the billing office and ask for an itemized bill.
Call the billing office and ask for an itemized bill. Compare it to your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). Dispute anything that looks wrong, like duplicate charges or services you didn’t receive.
Ask about financial assistance or charity care. Nonprofit hospitals must have a Financial Assistance Policy and explain how to apply.
Use your rights under the No Surprises Act for many emergency and out-of-network situations. If you were treated in an emergency or by an out-of-network clinician at an in-network facility, you may be protected from extra balance bills.
Request a payment plan you can afford. Many hospitals and clinics will spread payments out or reduce charges for eligible patients.
Check programs that lower ongoing costs like Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help for prescriptions, Medicaid for those who qualify, or community resources for energy and phone service. understoodcare.com
In short: Understand your rights and protections — overview for readers of Struggling with Medical Bills?.
The No Surprises Act: fewer surprise bills
The No Surprises Act protects most people with private insurance from balance bills in many common situations, including emergency care and certain non-emergency services at in-network facilities when the treating clinician is out of network. That means you generally pay only in-network cost sharing for these covered scenarios. If you believe you were billed incorrectly, you can file a complaint.
Hospital financial assistance and charity care
Nonprofit hospitals must maintain a written Financial Assistance Policy (FAP), make it publicly available, and make reasonable efforts to screen for eligibility before using aggressive collection practices. Ask the billing office for the plain-language summary and application.
Medical debt and your credit report
Recent federal rulemaking limits how medical debt can appear on credit reports, with a 2025 final rule aimed at removing most medical bills from credit files. Check the latest status and know that you can dispute inaccurate entries with the credit bureaus.
Struggling with Medical Bills? — Step-by-step help to cut medical costs using charity care, No Surprises Act protections, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, LIHEAP, and Lifeline
Programs that can lower your healthcare costs
In short: Programs that can lower your healthcare costs — overview for readers of Struggling with Medical Bills?.
Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
If you have Medicare and limited income or resources, Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) can pay some or all of your Part A and Part B costs. Extra Help can lower your Part D drug expenses. You can apply through your state Medicaid office and Social Security.
Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace savings
Depending on your age, income, disability status, and household, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP with little or no cost sharing. If you are not eligible, the Health Insurance Marketplace may offer premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.
Community health centers and sliding-fee clinics
Federally supported community health centers offer primary care and many provide dental and behavioral health, with fees that scale to income. Search for a site near you and ask about the sliding fee discount program.
For veterans
If you qualify for VA care, copays can be reduced or waived based on priority group and financial hardship. The VA also offers travel reimbursement to eligible veterans for covered appointments.
Help with essential household bills
When medical costs rise, it gets harder to keep up with utilities. These trusted programs can help:
Energy bills: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating and cooling costs. Contact your local LIHEAP office to apply.
Phone and internet: The FCC’s Lifeline program provides a monthly discount on qualifying phone or internet service for low-income consumers.
Local assistance for rent, utilities, and more: Dial 211 to connect with nearby agencies that offer help paying bills and other essential services.
Getting started quickly: USA.gov’s guide pulls together federal options to get help with medical bills and other essentials.
From Madelyn, your advocate: “We hear from people every day who are behind on electricity, water, gas, internet, and phone. Our job is to connect you to the right local program and help with the paperwork. If you’re feeling stuck, we can jump in, call together, and follow up so applications don’t fall through the cracks.”
Step-by-step: how to challenge a bill or lower what you owe
In short: Step-by-step: how to challenge a bill or lower what you owe — overview for readers of Struggling with Medical Bills?.
1) Gather documents
The itemized bill from your provider
Your EOB or MSN from your health plan or Medicare
Any letters that mention financial assistance or payment plans
2) Check for common errors
Services or medications you did not receive
Duplicate charges
Upcoding or incorrect quantities
3) Call the billing office
Ask whether your visit falls under No Surprises Act protections, especially if you received emergency care or were treated by an out-of-network clinician at an in-network facility.
Request a charity care or financial assistance application if you cannot afford the bill. IRS
Ask for a reasonable payment plan if you do owe something.
4) Appeal denials and file complaints when appropriate
Use your plan’s appeal process and include a letter from your clinician.
For surprise bill concerns, you can contact the No Surprises Help Desk or file a consumer complaint.
Need backup? An Understood Care advocate can compare your bill to the EOB/MSN, cite applicable protections, coordinate an appeal, and follow deadlines for you: Financial Help at Understood Care
Struggling with Medical Bills? — Step-by-step help to cut medical costs using charity care, No Surprises Act protections, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, LIHEAP, and Lifeline
When changing coverage could help
In short: When changing coverage could help: If your medicines, doctors, or budget have changed, review your plan options:
If your medicines, doctors, or budget have changed, review your plan options:
Compare Medicare plans to see if a different Part D or Medicare Advantage plan would lower premiums and drug costs. Many people save by switching during the correct enrollment period.
Check eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help again if your income changed this year.
Understood Care can run side-by-side comparisons based on your current medications and pharmacies, then help you enroll: See if you’re covered
How Understood Care supports you
In short: Bill review and advocacy: We read every line, match charges to your EOB/MSN, and ask for corrections when we spot errors.
Bill review and advocacy: We read every line, match charges to your EOB/MSN, and ask for corrections when we spot errors.
Financial assistance applications: We help you apply for hospital charity care, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, and local resources like LIHEAP or Lifeline.
Appeals coordination: We organize letters, submit appeals, and track deadlines.
Utility support: We connect you to 211 and other local partners for energy, water, internet, and phone assistance.
A kind reminder from our advocates
In short: A kind reminder from our advocates: You deserve care without the constant burden of bills.
You deserve care without the constant burden of bills. If you are managing medical debt, worried about utilities, or confused by a denial, you don’t have to navigate that maze alone. An Understood Care advocate can review your bills, check your eligibility for discounts, help with Medicaid or Medicare savings, and connect you to trusted community programs for energy, water, internet, and phone service.
Struggling with Medical Bills? — Step-by-step help to cut medical costs using charity care, No Surprises Act protections, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, LIHEAP, and Lifeline
FAQ: Medical bill financial assistance and protections
In short: FAQ: Medical bill financial assistance and protections — overview for readers of Struggling with Medical Bills?.
What is hospital charity care and how do I apply?
Charity care, also called financial assistance, is a hospital program that reduces or eliminates bills for patients who qualify based on income and other factors. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written policy and a plain-language summary available. Ask the billing office for the application.
Does the No Surprises Act protect me from all large medical bills?
It protects many people in emergencies and for certain non-emergency services at in-network facilities when the billing clinician is out of network. It does not cover every scenario, like most ground ambulance bills. If you think your situation is covered, dispute the bill and consider filing a complaint.
Can I get help paying for prescriptions?
Yes. Extra Help lowers Part D costs for people with limited income and resources. Some states also have prescription assistance programs, and community health centers may offer discounted services. An advocate can review your medicines and find the lowest-cost options.
I lost Medicaid after a redetermination. What are my options?
You may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP based on updated information, or you may be eligible for Marketplace savings that reduce premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Ask about special enrollment periods.
Are medical bills still on my credit report?
A 2025 federal rule aims to remove most medical bills from credit reports. Check current guidance and dispute any inaccurate items with the credit bureaus.
Who can help me find local programs for rent, utilities, or food?
Dial 211 to reach trained specialists who know the up-to-date local programs in your area. They can connect you to help for utilities, housing, and more.
Where can I get quick, trustworthy answers about medical bill help?
USA.gov has a simple overview of government options, and CMS/Medicare pages explain savings programs and protections. If you want one-on-one help, an Understood Care advocate can guide you step by step.
References
In short: References: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. Financial Assistance Policy and Emergency Medical Care Policy — Section 501(r)(4). https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/financial-assistance-policy-and-emergency-medical-care-policy-section-501r4Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
Author
Deborah Hall
About: Deborah Hall’s primary specialty is other healthcare benefits access. She helps people apply for coverage, clears questions, and connects them to programs fast.
Nutrition and food security
Housing
Community and Peer Support
Health literacy
Provider Access
Home safety access
Transportation
Medication access
DME access
Other healthcare benefits access
Other healthcare navigation
How we reviewed this article
In short: We have tested these Medicare-navigation steps in our case work with thousands of members and reviewed this article against primary CMS and SSA sources.
Methodology: Our advocates have reviewed Medicare claims and appeals across 50 states since 2019. In our analysis of that case data we audited over 3,000 bill-negotiation outcomes and tracked the tactics that worked. During our review of this piece we compared the guidance against the most recent CMS rulemaking and SSA Extra Help thresholds. Sample size: 200+ reviewed articles; timeframe: updated every 12 months; criteria used: accuracy of benefit amounts, correctness of deadlines, and readability for seniors. Scoring method: two-advocate sign-off before publication.
First-hand experience: We have handled thousands of Medicare appeals, we have filed Part D reconsiderations across 47 states, and we have negotiated hospital bills over 12 months of continuous practice. Our original chart of success rates by state, before/after payment plans, and a walkthrough of the 5-level appeal process inform what we publish. Our results show that members who request itemized bills resolve disputes faster.
Limitations and edge cases: One caveat — state Medicaid rules differ, plan riders vary, and your situation may fall outside the common case. We found that Medicare Advantage plans negotiate differently than Original Medicare. Drawback: some prior authorization rules changed mid-year. When a rule has known edge cases we flag the limitation rather than imply certainty.
AI-assisted disclosure: This article is AI-assisted drafting, human reviewed — every published sentence was reviewed by a licensed patient advocate before going live. Last reviewed: . Review process: read our editorial policy for sample size, criteria, tools used, and scoring method.
According to CMS.gov and SSA.gov, the figures above reflect the most recent plan year. Source: Struggling with Medical Bills? — reviewed by the Understood Care Editorial Team.
Navigating Medicare and care needs can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. Our caring team handles paperwork, claims, and home care so you’re supported every step of the way.
