How can I get rid of $19k in medical debt with no income?

Hello. I'm new here, and I was looking for advice. I need to pay off my medical debt. I owe $19,000. I didn't have insurance, so the bills piled up. Now it's in collections. They call every single day, and I just don't answer. I don't have the money to pay, not even a small amount. It feels overwhelming. Is there anything I can do to make this debt go away? I'm wondering if there are financial assistance programs I could apply for.

Call the hospital billing you. Ask their billing department if they have a forgiveness or hardship process to clear the debt. Some hospitals forgive large medical debts if you can prove you have no insurance, aren't allowed coverage from your employer, or are unemployed. It may take time to get through or be accepted, but keep trying. The worst they can say is no. Remember, you're not paying the person you're calling, and they often hear people say they can't afford it. Keep calling; you might get a different person who says yes. These places may also accept a smaller payment if you can pay it right away. I negotiated my $2000 ER bill down to $1500 just by asking. My dad had emergency appendix surgery. His $80,000 bill was reduced by $70,000 after following these steps. Another facility and his family doctor also accepted a smaller payment for their original bill.

Alright, let's break this down in a friendly way!

First off, think Dave Ramsey style. You'll want to write a letter asking for proof that you actually owe the debt, like a super clear, itemized bill. (A quick Google search can show you some good examples to ffollow! )

Here's the key part: only try to negotiate the amount down in writing and send it by certified mail. That way, you've got a solid paper trail.

Super important: don't give them electronic access to your accounts at all! No online logins, no automatic payments nothing.

Finally, once you've saved up the full amount, call them to pay. But pay only with a cashier's check or a money order. That keeps you in control!

Apply for charity care at the hospital...nearly every hospital has a form of financial assistance but they don't usually volunteer the information.

Be careful they can garnish wages

Yes contact the hospital. They can forgive bills or set up payment plans. Sometimes they can recall debts from collections. If not, tell the agency about your situation. Make it clear you aren’t trying to avoid payment and you want to pay acknowledging responsibility is important and ask for help. They want the money, so they will find a way to assist. I’ve been in this position.