Will hospitals let you make payments on medical bills?

Hospitals accept payments on medical bills, negotiate with patients to reduce fees, and provide financial assistance. Contact the medical billing department to determine what options are available at the hospital in question.

Patients with large hospital bills should contact the hospital's billing department to speak with the staff within 90 days of their hospital service to make payment arrangements. Waiting longer than 90 days may result in ineligibility for some assistance programs. Patients may also inquire about negotiating the cost of medical bills based on their insurance company's negotiated rate, by documenting service rates for other hospitals, or by disputing certain fees.