ER bill without insurance: what to ask for
No insurance and a large emergency room bill: the self-pay rate, financial assistance, the good faith estimate dispute and how to compare prices.
Check my bill freeYou were treated first
Federal law requires hospitals that take Medicare and offer emergency services to provide a medical screening exam regardless of ability to pay. The bill comes after, and it can be discussed.
Ask for the self-pay rate
Ask the billing office for its self-pay price and any discount for patients without insurance or for paying in full.
Ask for financial assistance
Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy that covers emergency care. Ask for it and for the application, even if you think you earn too much.
The $400 rule
If you got a good faith estimate before scheduled care and the bill is at least $400 higher for one provider or facility, you can start a federal dispute within 120 days of the first bill. The fee is $25.
Compare each line
Ask for the itemized bill, then compare each line with Medicare prices. BillCheck does it from a photo of your bill and writes the letter.
More guides
- How to negotiate a hospital bill: a step by step plan
- How to get an itemized hospital bill (free request letter)
- Hospital bill errors: what to look for on each line
- Out-of-network ER bill: your protection under the No Surprises Act
- Prices by service