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Financial Help for People Without Hospital Insurance

Medical consultations, procedures, tests, or any hospital procedure can be very costly, especially if you do not have health insurance. If you do not have sufficient income, and you are having difficulties in meeting minimum payment requirements for medical bills, you must seek the right information regarding financial assistance for your bills or for your account in general. Some hospitals will offer financial assistance programs for patients who cannot pay their bills.

  1. Hospital Financial Assistance Program

    • Contact your hospital's billing department and inform them that you are encountering financial difficulties and need assistance for paying your medical bills. Ask if they offer financial assistance.

      Next, gather your medical bills, as well as household bills such as utility and rent, plus copies of statements showing your salary or income, such as pay stubs or tax receipts. These are all required by financial assistance programs.

      Completely fill out the application form that the hospital will give you. Provide correct and accurate information before submitting it. Most hospitals will offer financial applications that are either available online or within the hospital itself. Ask your doctor or the billing department about these forms and applications.

      After submitting your form, you simply have to wait for the response. You will either be sent a confirmation letter or receive a telephone call. Depending on your status and income, some programs can pay anywhere from half to the entirety of the bill.

    Medicaid or Medicare

    • You can also apply for Medicaid if you are underemployed, unemployed or are not receiving medical benefits from your employer. Each state has its own guidelines regarding the program and you simply have to apply in order to be informed.

      On the other hand, apply for Medicare if you are 65 or older. If you are under 65, you may still apply and qualify if you suffer from disabilities such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or permanent kidney failure.

    Social Security

    • Try contacting your Social Security office and see if you can qualify for a "Compassionate Allowance." Social Security has defined certain serious conditions as "disabilities" and if your current medical condition falls under this definition, Social Security is obliged to provide you benefits instantly, without any waiting period. Social Security has a list of 50 medical conditions that are qualified for this compassionate allowance. Information is provided on the Social Security website.

      You may also research and consult private organizations that cater to particular disabilities or medical conditions.

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