Medical bill & insurance guides
Plain-English, sourced, and updated October 20, 2026.
How to appeal a health insurance denial
Step-by-step guide to appealing a denied health insurance claim: deadlines, what to include, external review, and a free appeal letter.
Hospital financial assistance (charity care): who qualifies
Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance. See 2026 income limits, how to apply, deadlines, and how to stop collections.
Surprise medical bills and the No Surprises Act
Got an out-of-network bill for ER care, an air ambulance, or a doctor at an in-network hospital? Learn what the No Surprises Act protects and what to do.
How to dispute a bill that's higher than your Good Faith Estimate
Uninsured or self-pay and billed $400+ over your Good Faith Estimate? Use the federal dispute process within 120 days. Here's how.
How to get an itemized medical bill and spot errors
An itemized bill lists every charge and billing code. Learn how to request one and the most common errors to look for.
How to appeal a Medicare denial
Deadlines and steps for appealing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage denials, plus where to get free help.
Medical debt on your credit report in 2026
Paid medical collections and those under $500 don't appear on credit reports from the big three bureaus. What changed with the CFPB rule and what you can do.
A collector contacted you about a medical bill: dispute it in 30 days
Collectors must send validation information. A written dispute by the end date pauses collection until the debt is verified. Includes a sample letter.
Appeal a denial by insurer
How to appeal a UnitedHealthcare denial
UnitedHealthcare denied your claim? You usually have 180 days to appeal. Steps, deadlines, how to file with UHC, and where to get free help.
How to appeal an Aetna denial
Aetna denied your claim? You usually have 180 days to appeal — by phone or in writing. Steps, deadlines, and external review.
How to appeal a Cigna denial
Cigna denied your claim? You usually have 180 days to file an internal appeal. Steps, deadlines, and how to submit.
How to appeal a Blue Cross Blue Shield denial
BCBS denied your claim? You usually have 180 days — but you must file with the right Blue Cross company. Here's how.
How to appeal an Anthem denial
Anthem denied your claim? You usually have 180 days — online, by app, or by fax. Anthem is a Blue Cross licensee (Elevance).
How to appeal a Kaiser Permanente denial
Kaiser denied your claim or care? You usually have 180 days. Steps, deadlines, how to file, and external review.
How to appeal a Humana denial
Humana Medicare Advantage denial? You have 65 days to request a reconsideration, then automatic independent review.
Hospital financial assistance by system
Ascension financial assistance (charity care)
Ascension hospitals offer free care up to 250% of the poverty level and discounts up to 400%. Who qualifies, the 240-day deadline, and how to apply.
CommonSpirit Health financial assistance
Free care up to 200% of the poverty level, discounts up to 400% (500% in California), plus presumptive eligibility. How to apply.
Trinity Health financial assistance
Free care up to 200% of the poverty level with partial discounts up to 400%. Financial counselors can help you apply.
Providence financial assistance
Free care up to 300% of the poverty level in several states — even if you have insurance. Who qualifies and how to apply.
Advocate Health Care (Illinois) financial assistance
100% discount up to $47,880 for one person, a 50% uninsured discount, and a 240-day deadline. Income table and how to apply.
Intermountain Health financial assistance
Help for household income up to 500% of the poverty level, a medical hardship review above that, and an automatic uninsured discount. How to apply.
Mayo Clinic (Minnesota) financial assistance
100% adjustment up to 200% of the poverty level and 50% up to 400%. Eligibility rules, the 240-day window, and how to apply.
Mass General Brigham financial assistance
70% to 100% discount below 301% of the poverty level, a 25% prompt-pay discount, and 0% payment plans. How to apply.
Sutter Health financial assistance
Full charity care up to 400% of the poverty level, help for insured patients with high bills, and why doctors bill separately. How to apply.
Baylor Scott & White financial assistance
100% discount up to 200% of the poverty level, reduced bills up to 500%, and a 365-day window to apply. Income table and how to apply.