MEDICAL BILLS
Ginkgo Medical Bill Reduction Service
We help patients reduce or eliminate hospital bills through the hospital's own financial assistance program.
What We Do
We do not pay your bill. Instead, we help you apply for the hospital's financial assistance program, often called charity care, so that the hospital itself reduces or writes off the balance.
What Is Charity Care?
Many hospitals offer free or discounted care to patients who cannot afford their bills. If you qualify, the hospital may reduce a large bill to a small fraction of the original amount or cancel it entirely.
THE BASICS
Key Facts About Charity Care
It Is Widely Available
Under the Affordable Care Act and Internal Revenue Code Section 501(r), nonprofit hospitals must maintain a financial assistance program. More than half of U.S. hospitals are nonprofits, and many for-profit hospitals offer assistance as well.
Each Hospital Sets Its Own Rules
Hospitals usually consider household income, household size, and the age of the bill. Some also consider insurance status, residence, and the size of the bill.
Many Middle-Income Families Qualify
Many hospitals provide free care to households earning up to about twice the Federal Poverty Level and discounted care to households earning up to about three times that level. Some hospitals set even higher limits.
You Usually Must Apply
Few hospitals screen patients automatically. In most cases, the patient must locate the application, complete it, attach proof of income, and submit it to the hospital. That is where we help.
Charity care is not a limited fund. Approving your application does not take assistance away from anyone else.
OUR PROCESS
How It Works
What to Have Ready
- Your hospital bills or statements
- Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements
- The number of people in your household
- Your insurance information, if any
1
Eligibility Review
We review your hospital bill, household income, and household size to assess whether you are likely to qualify under the hospital's policy.
2
Gather Your Documents
You provide your bills and proof of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. We share your information only with the hospital.
3
Application Prepared and Submitted
We complete the hospital's financial assistance application and submit it for you by mail, email, or fax.
4
Follow-Up and Appeals
We follow up with the hospital, respond to requests for additional documents, and prepare an appeal if the request is denied. Many hospitals issue a decision within several weeks.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Patient Protections at Nonprofit Hospitals
Some states extend these requirements to additional hospitals.
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You generally have at least 240 days after the first post-discharge bill to apply, even if the bill has gone to collections.
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The hospital must suspend extraordinary collection actions while it reviews a complete application.
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You must be allowed to complete an incomplete application, and you are entitled to a written decision.
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If you qualify, the hospital must refund amounts you paid above what you owe under its policy.
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Patients with insurance may still qualify, and many hospitals will reduce copays and deductibles.
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Some programs also cover bills from lab, radiology, or anesthesia providers once the hospital approves your application.
Facing a Hospital Bill You Cannot Afford?
Contact us to find out whether you may qualify for hospital financial assistance.
571-992-9880 | 603-277-8333 | info@ginkgobridge.com
Eligibility and outcomes are determined by each hospital under its own policy. We cannot guarantee that any bill will be reduced or forgiven. This page provides general information and is not legal advice.