Medical bills can be overwhelming — especially when you’re facing an emergency, a long hospital stay, or a sudden change in income. The good news? Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs for patients who can’t afford to pay in full.
To apply, you usually need to send a formal letter explaining your situation. Here’s how to write one that’s clear, respectful, and increases your chances of getting help.
💡 What Is Financial Assistance?
Many hospitals provide charity care or financial aid for people who:
- Lost their job
- Don’t have insurance
- Are low-income
- Are dealing with a medical crisis
This help may cover all or part of your hospital bill. But to qualify, you’ll need to share details about your financial situation.
📝 What to Include in Your Letter
Use this checklist to make sure your letter has everything it needs:
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| 1. Header | Your name, address, phone number, and date |
| 2. Hospital Info | Name of hospital and billing department |
| 3. Subject Line | “Request for Financial Assistance” |
| 4. Introduction | State why you’re writing (you need help paying your bill) |
| 5. Explanation | Share your financial hardship honestly |
| 6. Details | Include account number, date of service, and amount owed |
| 7. Documents | Mention enclosed items (pay stubs, tax forms, etc.) |
| 8. Closing | Thank them and offer to provide more info |
✍️ Sample Letter Template
Here’s an easy-to-follow letter you can copy and personalize:
Your Full Name
Your Street Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Phone Number
Email Address
[Today’s Date]
Billing Department
[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]
City, State, ZIP Code
Subject: Request for Financial Assistance
Dear Billing Department,
I am writing to request financial assistance for my medical bill related to services received on [insert date]. Due to [briefly explain — e.g., job loss, low income, high medical costs], I am unable to pay the full balance of [$XXXX].
I am including documents that show my current financial situation, including [list items like tax returns, pay stubs, unemployment letters, etc.].
Please let me know if there are programs I qualify for or if there is a way to reduce or set up a payment plan for this bill. I am more than willing to work together to find a solution.
Thank you for your time and understanding. You can reach me at [phone number] or [email] if more information is needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
📎 Documents to Include
Make sure to attach any of the following that apply:
- Recent pay stubs or proof of income
- Unemployment or disability letters
- Most recent tax return
- Bank statements
- The hospital bill(s) you are referencing
🗣️ Tips for Success
- Be Honest: Share your situation clearly. Hospitals appreciate honesty and specifics.
- Be Polite: A respectful tone goes a long way.
- Follow Up: If you don’t hear back in 2–3 weeks, call the billing office to check on your application.
🚀 Next Steps
- Download or print the sample letter.
- Customize it with your own details.
- Send it with your documents to the hospital’s billing or financial aid department.
- Follow up politely to keep communication going.