Cancel ItFree help with medical bills: nonprofits and state programs
US patients · Last checked: 2026-10-25
Not legal or financial advice. This is general information for US patients, summarized from the official sources listed below. Rules vary by state and by situation, and they change. For advice about your case, talk to a lawyer, your state's consumer assistance program, or the official help lines named here. Last checked: 2026-10-25.
Nonprofits
- Dollar For is a nonprofit that helps patients apply for hospital financial assistance. It says its service is free and donor-funded: you fill out a patient form, and it prepares the application and sends it to the hospital.
- Undue Medical Debt is a nonprofit that uses donations to buy large bundles of medical debt at steep discounts and relieve it. Its FAQ answers "Can I apply for debt relief?" and "Who qualifies?". Read it there, because relief comes through debt portfolios it buys, not a standard application.
Government and official help
- State Consumer Assistance Programs (CAPs) help with health insurance problems, and CMS says they may help with billing issues. CMS's map lists CAPs in operation in states including California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and others. If your state has none, it points you to your state insurance department. Find yours.
- No Surprises Help Desk (1-800-985-3059): questions and complaints about surprise bills and good faith estimates, in 350+ languages. It can't give legal advice or financial assistance.
- CFPB: complaints about debt collectors and credit reports, (855) 411-2372.
- Your state attorney general: the CFPB notes many states have extra medical debt protections. Find your AG.
- Job-based health plan problems: U.S. Department of Labor EBSA, askebsa.dol.gov or 1-866-444-3272 (listed on HealthCare.gov).
Do it yourself first
Be careful with paid "debt relief" offers. Ask for fees in writing before you sign anything.
Sources (checked 2026-10-25)
- Dollar For (nonprofit)
- Undue Medical Debt (nonprofit) FAQ
- CMS: Consumer Assistance Programs by state
- CMS: Medical bill rights (No Surprises Act)
- CFPB: Medical bill sent to collections
- NAAG: Find your state attorney general
- HealthCare.gov: Consumer help if you have insurance
Cancel It is independent and not affiliated with any hospital, agency or organization named here.