What to do when you need surgery but can't afford it?
Asked by: Kyra Boyer | Last update: August 27, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (42 votes)
What happens if you can't afford surgery?
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 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.
What to do if you have no one to take care of you after surgery?
Call the hospital social worker and ask them to help you get a visiting nurse or home health aid to help you out at home.
Can a hospital force you to pay before surgery?
While it isn't illegal for a hospital or doctor's office to ask you to pay in advance what they estimate you will owe, withholding treatment is illegal.
How to Pay for Surgery That Health Insurance Doesn't Cover : Insurance Tips & Answers
What do doctors do if you can't pay?
If you don't qualify for financial assistance, work directly with your doctor or hospital on a repayment plan. Sometimes, if you offer to pay a portion of your bill right away, they will offer you a discount. Many health care providers offer low- or no-interest repayment plans over several years.
Can you hire someone to take you home after surgery?
Many cities have private healthcare escort companies. You can hire someone to take you to your appointment, wait during your procedure and drive you home. Or you can hire a private nurse to accompany you and even stay with you in your home while you recover.
What if I have no one to take me home from the hospital?
Explain your situation to the provider team and ask for accommodations such as an additional night at the hospital or discharge to an inpatient rehab facility. You're entitled to receive timely and safe care whether you're alone or come with an entourage of people.
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 a hospital force you to pay upfront?
Fourth lesson: It is not illegal to be asked to pay what you may owe in advance for a major medical event. But if you are asked to pay upfront, legally you don't have to.
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.
What do people do if they Cannot afford healthcare?
State social services agencies provide direct assistance to people with limited access to health care. They can offer referrals to local health centers and organizations that may be able to help. If you are eligible for Medicare, you can get help paying for your prescriptions through Medicare Part D.
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.
How can I get help paying for surgery?
Most hospitals offer discounts and sometimes free care to those who cannot afford to pay. Your eligibility usually depends on your household income and the number of people who live in your household. This is compared to the federal poverty level and is referred to as the "percent of federal poverty level" (% FPL).
Can an Uber pick you up from surgery?
Should a patient insist on taking Uber, Lyft or a cab, you must document the patient's knowing and willful deviation from the center's policies in the patient's medical record. Here are some tips to help you avoid potential legal issues arising from patient discharges without accompaniment: In pre-op.
What do you do if you have no one to drive you home after surgery?
You can ask the operating room staff or management team—they might know of a health care transportation service you can contact. You might also be able to hire a home care professional to drive you home and make sure you get settled in safely.
Who can help me at home after surgery?
Most home health agencies offer transitional services that help patients return home safely after surgery. By partnering with your physician, the home health care team is able to ensure you continue to receive the right level of care based on your recovery needs and any other medical conditions.
What is the riskiest surgery?
A craniectomy is a type of brain surgery and one of the riskiest surgeries. This medical procedure involves the removal of part of your skull to relieve any pressure on your brain. Although modern technology means it is a more common procedure, it is still very risky.
Which is more painful, a C-section or a hysterectomy?
They revealed more pain-related impairments of movement and deep breathing in patients undergoing CS than hysterectomy, although both interventions were comparable in terms of invasiveness and thus expected pain intensity [35].
Why is day 3 after surgery the worst?
The physiological reasons for this surprise may include: The inflammatory response tends peak during this time and can lead to increased pain. Also, by day 3 many patients are trying to wean themselves off of pain medication and pain can escalate.
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.
Can a doctor fire a patient for non payment?
Physicians may decide to dismiss a patient for a variety of reasons such as nonpayment, non-compliance and/or inappropriate behavior. Whatever the reason, a patient dismissal is a subject of concern for everyone and should be handled carefully.
What happens if you ignore medical bills?
Once medical bills enter collections, they are often reported to consumer credit reporting companies. Medical debt collections on a credit report can impact your ability to buy or rent a home, raise the price you pay for a car or insurance, and make it more difficult to find a job.