I have no medical insurance and need surgery. How can I get it paid?

Question

I am low income, no medical insurance, and need a non-elective surgery. It will probably cost around $10,000. I know that I can make payments, but when I can barely make ends meet as it is, that will be hard to do. My questions is, is there any kind of charity that will help? Can they reduce the amout of the bill if they know I can't afford it? I also don't qualify for medicade so that isnt an option. I really don't want to file bankrupsy over this.

Answer 1

The hospital may be able to qualify you for charity care, but in most cases the doctor will have to agree to no payment as well. Check with the hospital you are to have your surgery in before you have it and see what financial assistance programs they have available. If you don't qualify for charity care,most hospitals will only offer a discounted rate if you can pay the full discounted rate up front. Your other option is to go to a county hospital where they may be able to base what you owe on your ability to pay-which is a sliding scale based on your income-and they most likely will allow payments on that.

Answer 2

Are there any medical schools close to you? Sometimes you can get reduced cost medical care at medical schools. You will see not only a licensed physician (or surgeon) but more than likely you will also see a resident.

Answer 3

most hopitals are required to do charity cases. it is best to do it during the first of the year so they dont "use up" the charity.  in order to qualify, usually, you just need no insurance.  regardless if you canafford to pay or not.