Medical bills can crush even the most financially savvy. A single trip to the emergency room can set someone back hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars, especially if they’re uninsured or in between jobs.
But a growing number of patients are finding relief through a non-profit called Dollar For, which helps people apply for hospital financial assistance and, in some cases, get their bills reduced by as much as 99%.
“I dislocated my elbow two months ago while I was uninsured, and I just got my $4,400 hospital bill reduced 99% to $50,” said one Redditor who shared their experience using Dollar For for help with their medical bills.
Here’s what you need to know about the organization.
How Does Dollar For Work?
Dollar For is a nonprofit that helps patients navigate the complex world of hospital aid programs — financial assistance that most non-profit hospitals are legally required to offer, though few advertise it openly. The organization works directly with patients to help them gather the necessary paperwork, then communicates with billing departments and follow ups until a resolution is reached. Patients then track their case via a secure portal that provides regular updates and reminders.
As the Redditor explained, “My friend who studies medicine recommended the non-profit Dollar For to help me apply for financial aid. It’s entirely volunteer work! They basically gather your information and contact hospitals for you. They check in with you and the hospital regularly to make sure your application is still rolling, and give you phone call/email templates for dealing with them on your own.”
The group, which is funded by donations, doesn’t take a cut or charge any fees, either; it’s entirely volunteer-based and free to use. And the results can indeed be dramatic. “Yesterday I called the hospital (after an email reminder from them) and found out that I was approved for aid and my bill was cut 99%,” the user noted.
“Dollar For has helped wipe out over $70 million in medical debt by guiding patients through the process and holding hospitals accountable to their own rules,” said Dollar For founder, Jared. “Oh, and we do it all for free because everyone deserves a break when dealing with medical bills.”
Tips to Keep in Mind
Dollar For’s impact can be remarkable, but there are a few things to know before applying. The organization primarily works with nonprofit hospitals, since they’re required under federal law to provide charity care to patients who meet certain income thresholds. For-profit hospitals, on the other hand, may not offer the same programs.
You’ll also need to share sensitive financial information, including pay stubs, tax documents, or unemployment records, to verify eligibility. Dollar For helps make this easier by providing templates and instructions to guide users along the process.
The Redditor who shared their story says it’s worth every bit of effort: “I really, really, really want everyone to know about Dollar For… because of them I am still on track to be debt-free by the end of next year. Still so shocked and happy that it worked out.”
For anyone struggling under the weight of medical debt, Dollar For is proof that asking for help can pay off — quite literally. To learn more about the service or apply for assistance, visit its official site.
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