What to do if you need surgery but can't afford it?
Asked by: Dr. Steve Roob DVM | Last update: March 5, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (29 votes)
How do you get surgery when you can't afford it?
Contact the hospital's billing office and ask who administrates its financial assistance programs. Be open about your struggle to afford the procedure and see what options might be available to you. Even if the hospital can't help, it may be able to refer you to a local nonprofit that can.
What happens if you don't have money for a surgery?
The hospital or doctor will work with the patient to come up with a payment plan, and if the patient CAN'T pay, they most often will write off the cost, using funds they have set aside specifically for those situations.
Can you be denied surgery if you cant pay?
For sure! Medical professionals can deny patients if they can't pay for their services. Doctors practice their limited right to refuse patients on this basis. But wait! This happens when doctors' offices don't have alternatives to make it easier for patients to afford the treatment.
What if I need surgery but can't afford my deductible?
Contact the hospital's billing office and ask who administrates its financial assistance programs. Be open about your struggle to afford the procedure and see what options might be available to you. Even if the hospital can't help, it may be able to refer you to a local nonprofit that can.
How to Pay for Surgery That Health Insurance Doesn't Cover : Insurance Tips & Answers
What happens if you get surgery and can't pay?
You can take steps to make sure that the medical bill is correctly calculated and that you get any available financial or necessary legal help. If you do nothing and don't pay, you could be facing late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.
Can urgent care turn you away if you owe them money?
The law requires hospitals to provide care for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The same applies to urgent care facilities owned by hospitals.
Can hospitals turn you away if you can't pay?
Because of EMTALA, you can't be denied a medical screening exam or treatment for an emergency medical condition based on: If you have health insurance or not. If you can pay for treatment.
How do people afford surgery?
The best option may be to start with the money in your Health Savings Account. Since typically, people do not have enough in their HSA to cover the entire expense of the surgery, some use their personal savings to make up the difference.
What happens if you don't pay medical bills under $500?
Waiting to pay can be beneficial
That means if the card becomes delinquent, even debts under $500 can appear on your credit report and hurt your score. Despite the potential consequences of ignoring a medical debt, there are some advantages to letting the bill go unpaid.
Do hospitals do payment plans for surgery?
Financing Options: Many hospitals and clinics offer financing options, such as payment plans, to help you cover the cost of surgery over time. You can also consider taking out a personal loan or using a credit card to pay for the surgery.
Will a hospital still see you if you owe them money?
This will particularly be the case with public hospitals and community health centers. Even if you owe a hospital for past-due bills, that hospital cannot turn you away from its emergency room.
Should a hospital save someone's life if they do not have insurance and can't afford to pay?
If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency. Some situations may not be considered true emergencies, such as: Going to the ER for non-life-threatening care.
Can you get surgery without money?
Government or Charitable Assistance
Financial assistance programs, sometimes called "charity care," provide free or discounted health care to people who need help paying their medical bills. The Affordable Care Act requires hospitals with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to have programs to provide this care.
Can you get surgery and pay later?
CareCredit allows you to defer the cost of plastic surgery over your preferred number of months, with several interest-free and low interest options. With the ALPHAEON CREDIT card, you'll find the widest array of monthly payment options to help your reach your individual wellness, beauty, and performance goals.
How can I make surgery more affordable?
Explore financing options such as payment plans or medical credit cards. These can help you spread out the cost of the surgery over time. Don't be afraid to negotiate with your surgeon or hospital. Ask if they offer any discounts or if they can match a competitor's price.
What if I can't pay for surgery?
In cases like this, we recommend contacting your insurance, surgeon, or hospital and asking if they can help you with a payment plan. Remember that your surgery provider wants to get paid so they may be very willing to work with you on a payment plan.
What is the cheapest surgery?
Cataract surgery is the least expensive on our list with an average cost of about $3,441. In this procedure, a cloudy eye lens is removed and typically replaced with an artificial lens. With either having cataracts or having had surgery to correct it, it is one of the most common and regularly performed surgery.
How can I get help paying for surgery?
Charity care - If you still need help with medical bills after health insurance or Medicaid payments have been applied, a charity care program may assist you with the remaining costs. In most cases, you can apply for charity care through a doctor or hospital where you are seeking medical treatment.
What happens if you ignore hospital bills?
Hospitals have the right to sue patients for unpaid bills, and they may also send your account to a collections agency. This can result in damage to your credit score and additional fees. If you refuse to pay hospital bills after emergency treatment, the hospital may take legal action against you.
Can a hospital keep you until you pay?
Leaving Against Medical Advice
In short, you have the right to leave the hospital without paying your bill. Whether you have paid or not has no impact on your right to make a medical decision.
Is urgent care cheaper than ER?
An urgent care visit is between $100 and $200 – about ten times less than the average ER visit. If you have insurance, it should only be the cost of your co-pay. Most urgent care clinics are open 7 days a week. And, on average, wait times are 30 minutes or less.
Can urgent care refuse you if you can't pay?
Under the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA), emergency rooms must treat patients regardless of their ability to pay. This law does not apply to urgent care facilities.
What do you say to get seen faster in an emergency room?
Be specific: Describe your symptoms in detail. Instead of saying “I feel sick,” explain the specific symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain. This will help the medical staff understand the urgency of your situation. Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of your symptoms.
Can a hospital refuse care if you owe money?
If it's not an emergency, a hospital can refuse to perform a procedure or treat you, if you owe them money. However, federal law prohibits hospitals from refusing emergency treatment to someone who owes them money.