Cut your medical debt with knowledge, not shame
Millions of people are drowning in medical bills they never expected and don't understand. You're not alone—and you're not stuck with the first scary number on your statement.
Start with the beginner's guide →If you're too exhausted to make one more phone call, we helped create BillBot—a separate service that negotiates medical bills for you.
New here? Start with these three steps
You don't need to read everything at once. These three moves cover the most ground.
Check if your bill is even correct
Before you pay anything, make sure you're actually being billed for the right things. Learn how to request an itemized bill and spot common errors.
Read the guideLearn what to say when you call
You don't need to be a lawyer to negotiate. You just need a calm script and a few key questions.
Read the guideHave a plan if collections are already calling
If your bill is in collections, you still have options—and rights. Learn what to ask and how to settle.
Read the guideReal stories from people who pushed back
Behind every balance due notice is a life that got flipped upside down. These stories show what happened when patients stopped ignoring the bills and started asking questions.
“The $20,000 hospital bill that finally budged”
A family fought multiple “final notices” and used financial assistance to cut a five-figure bill down to something survivable.
Read the storyHow Ana chipped away at $100K of medical debt
The call log, scripts, and mindset shifts that helped one patient tackle six figures of medical bills over time.
Read the storyCollections while you're still healing
What patients did when the collection calls started before they were even fully recovered.
Read the storySometimes, just seeing how someone else handled their bill makes it easier to tackle your own. Browse all stories →
How to actually lower a medical bill
Most people never negotiate their medical bills. The ones who do are often surprised by how willing providers are to adjust, discount, or write off charges—once someone asks the right questions.
Negotiating a hospital bill
Step-by-step guide to calling billing and asking for a lower amount, even if you hate phone calls.
Read the guideUsing charity care & financial assistance
Many hospitals quietly offer income-based discounts or full forgiveness. Here's how to find and use those programs.
Read the guideLowering ER, imaging & lab bills
ER visits, scans, and lab tests are some of the most painful line items. People regularly negotiate these down 20–60%.
Read the guideMedical bills in collections
If your bill is already with a collector, you still have rights and options. Learn how to respond and negotiate.
Read the guideScripts and templates you can use today
One of the hardest parts is figuring out what to say when someone in billing finally answers. These scripts are built from what real patients, advocates, and experts have used.
If reading scripts is overwhelming right now, that's a signal you might want someone else to run this playbook for you. That's exactly what tools like BillBot are designed to do.
Know your rights and options
The medical billing system can feel intentionally confusing. Learning a few basics can protect you from the worst outcomes.
Why Cut My Medical Debt exists
We kept seeing the same story in news reports, patient forums, and advocacy organizations: someone gets sick or injured, then spends years trying to dig out from under opaque, inflated bills.
Cut My Medical Debt exists to collect the most useful advice from patients, advocates, and negotiators—and turn scattered tips into clear guides, scripts, and checklists.
We also co-created BillBot, a separate service that uses these same tactics—plus data and automation—to negotiate medical bills for people who are too exhausted or overwhelmed to do it themselves.
Learn more about us →