Start with a community health center
Federally qualified health centers are funded to serve everyone in their area, insured or not. Fees slide with household income and many visits cost a nominal amount. They handle primary care, chronic conditions, mental health, dental and prescriptions in one place.
Bring whatever proof of income you have, but do not delay an appointment because you cannot find paperwork — centers can usually enrol you on a self-declared income while documents follow.
Ask hospitals for financial assistance in writing
Non-profit hospitals must publish a financial assistance policy, and many write off bills entirely below a certain income. The wording matters: ask for 'charity care' or the 'financial assistance policy', not a discount.
You can apply after treatment and after a bill has been issued, and in many cases after it has gone to collections.
- Request the financial assistance application in writing
- Ask for an itemised bill and check it against the care you received
- Ask for the account to be held while the application is reviewed
- Ask about interest-free payment plans if you do not qualify for a write-off
Coverage you may already qualify for
Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year. Eligibility depends on your state, household size and income, and children often qualify at much higher household incomes than adults.
If you are told you earn too much for Medicaid, check Marketplace premium tax credits before assuming coverage is out of reach.