Check Your Medical Bill Before You Pay
Answer a few questions and get a personalized dispute plan for your bill.
- ✓What to review.
- ✓What to ask.
- ✓What to do next.
~2 minutes · No cost to start · See what applies before paying
Federal law gives patients specific dispute optionsmost never use. If your plan doesn't show a path to reduce or dispute your bill, contact us and we'll refund it.
How it works
Answer a few quick questions.
See your likely savings and best options.
Unlock your full dispute plan for $25 if it looks worth it.
What you get
Everything you need to dispute your bill — nothing you don't.
Which laws apply to your exact situation
Specific to your bill type, insurance status, service type, and income — not generic advice.
Standard dispute forms — ready to fill in
The same forms consumer advocates use. You fill in the blanks with your details.
Field-by-field guidance
Exactly what to write in each section, based on your answers.
Where to send each form and what to attach
The right address, the right department, the right supporting documents.
Deadline alerts
If there is a time-sensitive window — collection dispute, appeal deadline — we flag it explicitly.
Simple pricing
Assessment
$0
- ✓Check if you were overcharged
- ✓See which laws apply
- ✓Know your options
Dispute Plan
$25
- ✓Ready-to-use forms
- ✓What to write
- ✓Where to send everything
One-time payment · Instant access
100% Money-Back Guarantee
If the plan doesn't show you a path to dispute or reduce your bill, contact us and we'll refund it.
Federal laws that protect you
These are the laws we check your bill against.
No Surprises Act (2022)
42 U.S.C. § 300gg-111
If treated at an in-network hospital by an out-of-network provider without written notice, you legally owe no more than your in-network rate.
ACA Internal & External Appeal Rights
42 U.S.C. § 300gg-19
Your insurer must have a full appeals process. If they uphold a denial, you can request an external independent review — binding on the insurer.
IRS 501(r) Charity Care
26 C.F.R. § 1.501(r)
Every nonprofit hospital must have a financial assistance program. Patients below certain income thresholds cannot be charged more than Medicare/Medicaid rates.
FDCPA Billing Error Rights
15 U.S.C. § 1692
You have the right to an itemized bill and to dispute any charge. If in collections, you have 30 days from first contact to request debt validation.
Common questions
Can I dispute a hospital bill?
Yes. Federal law gives you specific enforceable rights depending on your situation. The No Surprises Act, ACA appeal rights, IRS charity care, and FDCPA billing error rights each apply in different circumstances. Most patients pay without ever knowing these protections exist.
How do I lower my medical bill?
The most effective way to lower your medical bill is to combine two approaches: first, check for billing errors (medical billing errors are common — an itemized review often finds discrepancies), then identify which federal laws may apply to your situation. Your plan shows you exactly which may apply to your bill and what to do with each.
How do I reduce my medical bill?
Start by requesting an itemized bill — billing errors are common and an itemized review often surfaces discrepancies. Then identify which federal protections apply to your case. If you were seen by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility, the No Surprises Act may cap your cost. If the hospital is nonprofit and your income qualifies, IRS charity care can reduce your bill to Medicare rates.
What happens if I can't afford my medical bill?
If the hospital is nonprofit (most US hospitals are), they are legally required to have a financial assistance program. Patients below certain income thresholds cannot be charged more than Medicare/Medicaid rates. You must apply — the hospital will not offer this proactively.
What do I do if my hospital bill is too high?
Start by requesting an itemized bill and checking for errors — a large share of hospital bills contain at least one. Then identify which federal protections apply: the No Surprises Act, IRS 501(r) charity care, and ACA appeal rights each provide different ways to reduce the amount you legally owe. Result.Law's assessment identifies which apply to your specific bill.
How do I negotiate a medical bill?
Many patients find formal written disputes more effective than phone calls, particularly when citing applicable federal law. Our assessment identifies which protections apply and provides template dispute language you can adapt and use in your own letter.
How long do I have to dispute a medical bill?
Deadlines vary. For No Surprises Act disputes, generally up to 120 days after receiving the bill. For ACA insurance appeals, typically 180 days from denial. For FDCPA debt validation in collections, 30 days from first contact.
Related guides
Can You Dispute an ER Bill in California?
Three layers of legal protection CA patients have — and how to use each one.
Read guide →How to Dispute a Medical Bill
Your rights under the No Surprises Act and other federal laws, step by step.
Read guide →Common Medical Billing Errors
The most frequent mistakes on hospital bills — and how to spot them.
Read guide →How to Apply for Hospital Charity Care
Most nonprofit hospitals must offer this. Most patients never ask.
Read guide →