Answer 6: C
Under federal tax rules, nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy (often called charity care), make it publicly available, and give patients time to apply. That window generally runs for at least 240 days from the first bill after you leave the hospital. Many people with steady jobs and insurance still qualify for a discount, depending on household income and family size.
Ask the billing office for the financial assistance application, or look for it on the hospital’s website. While your application is being reviewed, ask the hospital to pause collection activity on your account.
Read more: Hospital financial assistance: who qualifies and how to apply.
Question 7 of 8: The collector’s call
A collection agency calls about a $740 medical bill you do not recognize. What should you do first?
- A. Pay right away to protect your credit
- B. Give them your bank details to set up a plan
- C. Ask for written validation of the debt and dispute it in writing if it looks wrong
- D. Agree you owe it so they stop calling