Medical debt is different from credit card debt — most carries 0% interest and is often negotiable. Enter your bills to get a payoff plan, and see your options before you pay a dollar.
Strategy
Strategy comparison
| ❄ Snowball | 📉 Avalanche | |
|---|---|---|
| Payoff date | Sep 2027 | Sep 2027 |
| Total interest | $0 | $0 |
| Months to payoff | 15 | 15 |
| You save | $0 | — |
Balance over time
Payment schedule
| Month | Debt | Payment | Principal | Interest | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mo 1 | Specialist Bill | $225 | $225 | $0 | $625 |
| Hospital Bill | $50 | $50 | $0 | $3,150 | |
| Mo 2 | Specialist Bill | $225 | $225 | $0 | $400 |
| Hospital Bill | $50 | $50 | $0 | $3,100 | |
| Mo 3 | Specialist Bill | $225 | $225 | $0 | $175 |
| Hospital Bill | $50 | $50 | $0 | $3,050 | |
| Mo 4 | Specialist Bill | $175 | $175 | $0 | Paid off ✓ |
| Hospital Bill | $50 | $50 | $0 | $3,000 | |
| Mo 5 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $2,725 |
| Mo 6 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $2,450 |
| Mo 7 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $2,175 |
| Mo 8 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $1,900 |
| Mo 9 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $1,625 |
| Mo 10 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $1,350 |
| Mo 11 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $1,075 |
| Mo 12 | Hospital Bill | $275 | $275 | $0 | $800 |
Strategy
Medical billing errors are common — studies estimate 80% of bills contain at least one mistake. Before paying anything, request an itemized bill and check every line item. Disputed charges can be removed.
All nonprofit hospitals (most hospitals) are legally required to offer charity care. Ask the billing department for their Financial Assistance Policy. Income thresholds are often generous — households earning up to 300–400% of the federal poverty level qualify at many providers.
Hospitals accept settlements, especially for older balances. Offer 40–60 cents on the dollar as a lump sum. Script: 'I want to pay this balance but I'm unable to pay the full amount. Would you accept $[X] as payment in full?' Get the agreement in writing before paying.
Since medical debt is typically 0% interest, the math of avalanche vs snowball is identical — interest isn't a factor. Snowball (smallest first) is the right choice: eliminate smaller bills fast to reduce the mental load and number of creditors.
FAQ