Sometimes, hospital billing and financial assistance offices will lower your bill amount if you can explain why you can’t afford to pay the bill. If you have some savings that you can use to pay the bill, use this sample settlement letter to ask the hospital or debt collector what they would accept as a full settlement if you made a one-time payment.
Lower your medical bill with a negotiation settlement letter
Always start by applying for charity care through the hospital’s financial assistance office. Dollar For can help you check if you are eligible and apply — for free. See if you qualify now.
In cases where you don’t qualify or have been denied financial assistance, use the sample letter below to negotiate the total amount.
After they respond to your letter, do not be afraid to push back or counter-offer. Remember, regardless of what they tell you — this is a negotiation.
Sample Letter
[HOSPITAL NAME]
[HOSPITAL ADDRESS]
[PATIENT NAME]
[DATE OF BIRTH]
[ACCOUNT NUMBER]
To Whom It May Concern,
I’m writing regarding the medical bill I received from [HOSPITAL NAME] on [HOSPITAL BILL DATE].
Though I am grateful for the care that I received, I am unable to pay this bill in its entirety. This debt has caused me great financial hardship and has impeded my ability to provide for my basic needs.
[EXPLAIN SPECIAL DETAILS ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION HERE.]
Therefore, I would like to offer you a settlement amount of $____________ to be paid in full to close out this account.
I’ve worked very hard to save this money and this is all that I can afford. Please let me know if you will accept this offer.
Thank you for your consideration,
[NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE NUMBER]
[EMAIL]