Medical debt includes any unaffordable bills for medical services or procedures. Over 1 in 8 Massachusetts residents reports having family medical debt. Together, we can change that.
Health Care For All Massachusetts · Medical Debt Campaign
Medical Debt 101
Medical debt is unaffordable bills for medical services or procedures — and it touches families across every income bracket in Massachusetts.
Medical debt can include bills:
- a person cannot pay,
- sent to collection agencies,
- that appear on a person's credit report,
- that are paid for on a credit card,
- that a person cannot pay off immediately.
2 in 5
Massachusetts residents struggle to afford health care.
1 in 8
MA residents have family medical debt.
~90%
of Bay Staters with medical debt were insured when they incurred it.
~20%
of Black residents in MA carry family medical debt.
Who carries medical debt?
Most medical debt holders have family incomes between 139% and 500% of the federal poverty level — roughly $43,000 to $156,000 for a family of four.
Resources to Help Manage Medical Debt
What should you do if you have medical debt? Start with these steps:
01
Do not pay for medical bills you cannot afford with a credit card.
See HCFA's legislative priorities to address the root causes of medical debt in Massachusetts.
02
If you need help getting or understanding your health insurance coverage, call the HCFA HelpLine.
You might be eligible for public programs to cover your medical bills if you are uninsured and even if you already have health insurance. Reach out at 800-272-4232
03
Ask for an itemized bill from your provider.
Confirm that you actually received the services you are being billed for.
04
Confirm your health insurance paid what it should have.
Ensure the bill was submitted, confirm what was covered, and request an explanation of benefits. If denied, consider filing an appeal with your insurer.
05
Explore financial assistance options
Many providers offer financial assistance programs. Ask your provider if you are eligible. Got a hospital bill? Visit dollarfor.org
06
Negotiate discounts and payment plans with your provider.
07
Understand the impact on your credit.
Medical debt can affect your credit report – but medical debts under $500 are not included on your credit report. Ask your provider about or check their website for their debt collection policy.
08
If you've been sued, seek legal help.
Free and low-cost legal aid is available across Massachusetts. Reach out to Health Law Advocates.
09
Feeling overwhelmed about your medical debt? Seek help
Local community organizations can assist you in resolving your medical debt. Reach out to a partner organization near you:
Brazilian American Center (Framingham)
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Lowell)
Immigrants Assistance Center (New Bedford)
Pinnacle Partnerships (Brockton)
Women Encouraging Empowerment (Revere)
Lawrence Community Works (Lawrence)
The Neighborhood Developers (Chelsea)
Brazilian American Center (Framingham)
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (Lowell)
Immigrants Assistance Center (New Bedford)
Pinnacle Partnerships (Brockton)
Women Encouraging Empowerment (Revere)
Lawrence Community Works (Lawrence)
The Neighborhood Developers (Chelsea)
All MA nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance.
Required by law
Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance and clearly display their polices.
Always ask
Discounts, plans, and assistance are negotiable.
Share Your Medical Debt Story
Do you have a medical bill you are unable to pay or that is causing you stress? Stories like yours help policy makers better understand the challenges of medical debt and spark change.
Submit your story below and tell us how medical debt has affected your life. We may reach out to ask if you would be willing to have your story shared with others.
Take Action Now
Awareness is just the start. Choose your path to help end medical debt in Massachusetts.
Learn our medical debt policy agenda
See HCFA’s legislative priorities to address medical debt in Massachusetts
Join the campaign
Join HCFA’s network to receive regular updates about HCFA’s work, including our medical debt work.
Join HCFA’s NewsletterSupport our work
Help HCFA end medical debt in Massachusetts. Every contribution fuels real advocacy.
Common Questions About Medical Debt
Plain-language answers about financial assistance, credit reporting, and your rights as a Massachusetts resident.
What counts as medical debt?
Medical debt is any unaffordable bill for medical services or procedures. It includes bills you cannot pay, bills sent to collections, bills appearing on your credit report, balances paid for on a credit card, or bills you cannot pay off immediately.
Am I eligible for financial assistance?
Providers often offer financial assistance, discounts, or payment plans. Always ask your provider’s office for additional information on options.
If your bill is from a hospital, you are likely eligible for some level of financial assistance. All nonprofit hospitals in the United States are required to offer financial assistance. Eligibility typically depends on family income. Ask the hospital’s receptionist, billing, or financial assistance office for more information, or use Dollar For (dollarfor.org) to check your eligibility.
Will medical debt show up on my credit report?
The major credit bureaus will not report medical debt under $500 on your credit report. However, each hospital or doctor’s office may have its own collection policy, so always ask your provider about their debt collection and credit reporting practices.
If I cannot afford my medical bill, is it ok to put it on a credit card?
No. Putting medical debt on a credit card converts it into credit card debt, which is often treated more aggressively by debt collectors. Most providers will work with patients who cannot afford their bills, but paying for your medical bill with a credit card eliminates your ability to negotiate the bill amount with your provider, enter a payment plan, or apply for assistance.
What if I'm uninsured and got a medical bill?
Call the HCFA HelpLine at 800-272-4232. You may be eligible for insurance coverage that could retroactively cover your services, or for state programs designed to help uninsured residents.
Can I negotiate or reduce the amount of my medical bill?
Yes. Always ask for an itemized bill, confirm the services were actually received, and ask about discounts, payment plans, or financial assistance. Many providers will reduce balances or set up zero or low-interest payment plans if you ask. You can also use the Dollar For bill negotiation tool to help lower your bill.
What should I do if my insurance denied a claim?
You have the ability to appeal. Request an explanation of benefits from your insurance provider and follow your insurer’s appeals process. If you need assistance filing an appeal, seek legal aid through Health Law Advocates.
What if I've been sued over a medical debt?
Seek legal assistance right away. Free or low-cost legal aid is available in Massachusetts through groups like Health Law Advocates.
40+
Years of advocacy
Together, we can end medical debt in Massachusetts.
For 40+ years, Health Care For All Massachusetts has fought to make quality, affordable health care a reality for every resident of the Commonwealth.
Health Care For All advocates for health justice in Massachusetts by working to promote health equity and ensure coverage and access for all.