Reading a medical bill: United States.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United Kingdom · Canada · Australia.

Moraph for Good · Reach

Reading a medical bill: United States

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/reading-a-medical-bill

This sheet explains how to read and check a medical bill, invoice or charge, and where to get help where you live. It is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Read it

Who it’s from, and the account or reference number.
The date and charge for each line.
What has already been paid, and what is still owed.
The due date and who to call.

Check it

Ask for an itemized bill with every line.
Compare it with any estimate, quote or insurer statement.
Look for repeated lines, things you didn’t have and wrong dates.

Question it

Call or write to the billing office about specific lines.
Note the date, the name of the person and what they said.
Ask for important answers in writing.

Before you pay

Ask about financial help, discounts and payment plans.
Check whether a public scheme or refund applies.
Be wary of anyone demanding payment by gift card or payment app.

In the United States

Surprise bills. The No Surprises Act protects most people with private insurance from unexpected out-of-network bills for emergency room visits, for non-emergency care related to a visit to an in-network hospital, hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center, and for air ambulance services. Ground ambulances are generally not covered by these protections.
Good faith estimates. If you don’t have or don’t use insurance, providers usually must give you a good faith estimate when you schedule care at least three business days ahead, or if you ask. If a provider’s bill is at least $400 more than its estimate, you may be able to dispute it, starting within 120 days of the first bill.
During a dispute. While a bill is in the federal dispute process, the provider can’t send it to collections or threaten to, or collect late fees on it. There is a small, non-refundable fee to start a dispute.
Complaints. The No Surprises Help Desk, on 1-800-985-3059, takes questions and complaints about surprise billing rules and can help in English, Spanish and many other languages.
Hospital financial assistance. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy offering free or discounted care to people who qualify, and their billing statements must include a notice about it with a phone number to call.

Official places to check:

US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/know-your-rights
US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/know-your-rights/without-insurance
US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/get-help/dispute-bill
US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/get-help/submit-complaint
Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/financial-assistance-policies-faps

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/reading-a-medical-bill