{"id":35343,"date":"2026-04-08T18:32:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:32:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indafunds.com\/?p=35343"},"modified":"2026-04-08T18:32:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:32:39","slug":"6-ways-to-save-on-health-care-costs-and-avoid-taking-on-medical-debt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indafunds.com\/?p=35343","title":{"rendered":"6 Ways to Save on Health Care Costs and Avoid Taking on Medical Debt"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ground Picture \/ Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eye-popping health care costs these days can be enough to financially drown some households when medical issues arise. And even if you can afford health insurance, it doesn\u2019t cover all the costs.<\/p>\n

That makes it hard not to consider the medical bills before you see a doctor or even visit a hospital. But it\u2019s so important to take care of your health. It\u2019s better to be bankrupt and alive and well than to die with more favorable finances.<\/p>\n

To help, we found some ways you can get the care you need without dreading the bill.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re going to cover strategies that can help you access health care services for less. In some situations, they may help keep you out of debt.<\/p>\n

Remember that regardless of the financial outcome, you should put your health first whenever the system allows you to \u2014 even if that means staring down some medical debt.<\/p>\n

1. Take advantage of charity care programs<\/h2>\n
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Pranithan Chorruangsak \/ Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Affordable Care Act requires nonprofit hospitals to offer charity care programs. This means that if your income is below a certain threshold, they\u2019re required to have funds available to help offset your bill.<\/p>\n

The quality of these programs varies by state, but regardless of where you live, the law requires that these hospital systems have\u00a0some\u00a0help available.<\/p>\n

This is true whether or not you have insurance, and at many hospital systems, the income guidelines are higher than you might imagine. Ask about the program and apply as soon as possible \u2014 even if you consider yourself middle-income.<\/p>\n

Organizations like\u00a0Dollar For\u00a0can help if you\u2019re feeling lost in the process.<\/p>\n

Also bear in mind that this isn\u2019t just for the ER. While it certainly applies to that situation, if the medical provider you visit is affiliated with a nonprofit hospital system, there\u2019s a good chance that those bills will qualify for the financial assistance program, too.<\/p>\n

This is particularly true for urgent care facilities, as in many communities, you can often find one that\u2019s linked to the local nonprofit hospital system. It may also be true for your GP or other specialist.<\/p>\n

2. Look for free or low-cost clinics<\/h2>\n
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Olena Yakobchuk \/ Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Depending on where you live, there may be free or low-cost community clinics you can access for GP services and annual checkups. These can be especially useful if you\u2019re able to schedule ahead of time.<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for mobile health clinics, too, as these can provide screenings or health checkups in communities that don\u2019t have access to other medical care providers.<\/p>\n

If you need something a little more specialized, there may be a dedicated clinic for your specific concern. For example, you can look for:<\/p>\n