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How to get help with medical bills

Find out how you can get help with medical bills through free or low-cost medical care, government health insurance programs, or a medical debt management plan.

Find help paying for medical care

Government programs can help pay for medical care. Depending on the program, you may also be eligible for help with vision and dental care. Your income, age, employment status, and qualifying health issues will determine your eligibility. These programs include:

  • Medicaid
  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • Medicare
  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA) / Health Insurance Marketplace
  • Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Learn how these programs work, find out if you are eligible, and see how to apply.

More help with medical bills after insurance

If you already receive coverage from Medicaid, Medicare, ACA Marketplace, or other insurance, additional programs may provide further support.

Get help paying for prescription drugs

Find free or low-cost vaccines

Depending on your income, age, and health insurance coverage, you or your children may be eligible for free vaccinations.

Other programs offering free and low-cost medical care

Some government programs offer free or low-cost care for different health conditions, including:

  • National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) - Get free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings. Eligibility for NBCCEDP is based on income, age, and whether you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover screenings.
  • Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program - Find help in your state or local area with HIV/AIDS medications and treatments. You may qualify for this program based on your income. And you must be uninsured, or the treatments and medications you need are not covered by your current insurance plan.

Get help paying medical bills through debt management

In some cases, you may be able to get help paying your medical bills with a debt management plan. This involves a payment schedule that a credit counselor develops based on your situation. When you make a payment, your money is deposited into an account with the credit counseling organization, which then pays your debt. You may be able to get lower interest rates and certain fees waived to help make it easier to pay off your medical debt. Learn more about debt management and how it works.

LAST UPDATED: September 7, 2024

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