 TITLE: Can You Declare Bankruptcy on Medical Bills? CONTENT: Alternative Options for Getting Rid of Medical Debt\n---------------------------------------------------\nYou may have alternatives to bankruptcy worth exploring as well. Before throwing in the towel on your medical debt, consider the following steps to reduce it or pay it off:\n1.  Audit your bills. Check for billing errors or unauthorized charges. Make sure your insurance has paid for covered expenses.\n2.  Negotiate your costs. Hospitals and medical providers may be able to discount your costs, especially if you don't have insurance.\n3.  Look for financial assistance options. Many hospitals have income-driven repayment plans or other types of financial assistance. Local charities may be able to help as well.\n4.  Work out a payment plan with your provider. Many medical providers would prefer to work out a low- or no-interest payment plan than to send your bill to collections—or see it end up in bankruptcy.\n5.  Seek out low-interest credit cards or loans. Medical credit cards often come with introductory 0% interest offers. Personal loans may be available at interest rates that are lower than what you might pay on regular credit cards. END