Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.

Hospital bill you cannot pay in Indiana

Ask the hospital about its financial assistance policy and how to apply. This guide uses IRS information about hospital financial assistance.

1. Step 1: Ask for the hospital policy

   Ask whether the hospital is covered by the IRS financial assistance rule. Ask for its policy, application and plain-language summary. Ask for paper copies if needed.

   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “Section 501(r)(4) requires a hospital organization to establish a written financial assistance policy (FAP)” (checked 2026-10-12)
   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “Making paper copies of the FAP documents available upon request and without charge” (checked 2026-10-12)
   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “the FAP, FAP application form, and plain language summary of the FAP” (checked 2026-10-12)

2. Step 2: Check which bills the policy covers

   Ask whether the policy covers each provider on your bills. A hospital policy lists which providers it covers and which it does not.

   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “It must specify which providers are covered by the hospital facility's FAP and which are not.” (checked 2026-10-12)

3. Step 3: Follow the application instructions

   Use the hospital policy to find the application route. Ask the hospital for help with the form and which records it asks you to provide.

   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “A hospital facility's FAP must describe how an individual applies for financial assistance under the FAP.” (checked 2026-10-12)
   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “can provide assistance with the FAP application process” (checked 2026-10-12)
   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “the information or documentation an individual may be required to provide as part of their FAP application” (checked 2026-10-12)

4. Step 4: Ask about collection while you apply

   Ask what its billing and collection policy says about nonpayment. Ask what happens to your bill during review. Do not assume that asking for help stops collection.

   • Internal Revenue Service: Financial assistance policy and emergency medical care policy says: “Actions that may be taken in the event of nonpayment” (checked 2026-10-12)

Status unknown, call to confirm. Call 2-1-1 before you make plans.

• Indiana FSSA: Indiana 211 says: “they know they can dial 2-1-1 or visit our website” (checked 2026-10-12)

Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.