 TITLE: Can I Get a Loan to Pay Off Medical Debt? CONTENT: Ways to Pay Off Medical Debt Without a Loan\n-------------------------------------------\nIf none of the above options for paying off medical debt works for you, consider these alternatives.\n*   **Hire a medical bill advocate**: Medical bill advocates work on your behalf to find and remove errors and overcharges on medical bills; contact medical providers and insurance companies for you; and negotiate reduced payments, payment plans or even loan forgiveness. People who have massive medical bills or are too ill to do the legwork to negotiate the health care billing system often use medical bill advocates to cut through the red tape. Medical bill advocates either charge an hourly rate or take a percentage of the money they're able to save you.\n*   **Negotiate costs on your own**: You don't need to possess the persuasive powers of a professional salesperson to negotiate with a medical provider. Being polite, flexible and reasonable will often do the trick. Remember, providers would rather get paid something than nothing. Ask your provider's billing department if they will accept monthly payments or reduce the total you owe if you pay the reduced balance in full. According to Consumer Reports, many providers reduce fees for patients who pay directly instead of having care billed through their health insurance. If you don't have health insurance, you may be able to ask for that lower price too.\n*   **Medical bill forgiveness**: If you have a severe issue such as a disability that leaves you unable to earn income and pay your medical debt, your provider may be willing to forgive some or all of your debt. While it's difficult to get your entire debt forgiven, it's worth talking to the provider to see what they can do.\n*   **Financial assistance or charity care programs**: Under the Affordable Care Act, nonprofit hospitals are legally required to provide financial assistance for people with incomes below a certain level. Many for-profit hospitals and medical providers do the same. These financial aid programs are usually limited to essential medical services and require providing proof of income to qualify. Visit the provider's website or call their billing department to see if your provider offers financial help with medical bills. If they don't, ask if they know of any local organizations that help low-income consumers with medical bills. END