I’m on Medicare and still owe medical bills. Can they be forgiven if I’m below the poverty level, and what’s the income limit with Social Security and a small pension?

Question

Antonio Rodriguez · Accepted Answer

You may qualify for help, but being below the poverty level does not automatically erase medical bills. Ask the hospital’s billing department for a financial assistance or charity care application—even if you have Medicare.

There isn’t one income limit for every program. Eligibility depends on your state, household size, and the hospital’s policy. Social Security and pension income generally count, so have statements showing your income before deductions available.

Also ask about Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs. For reference, the 2026 federal QMB monthly income limits are $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a married couple, although some states have more generous rules. These are QMB limits, not hospital debt-forgiveness limits.

If you had QMB coverage when you received Medicare-covered care, providers generally cannot charge you Medicare deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. For older bills, ask the billing department to check your coverage on the dates of service.

Jeremy Harkins · Answer

You may qualify to have some bills reduced or forgiven, but being below the poverty level does not automatically erase medical debt. Hospitals often have financial assistance programs, sometimes called charity care, that can help eligible patients—even those with Medicare. Contact the billing department and request its financial assistance application.

There is no single income limit for medical-bill forgiveness. Each assistance program has its own rules. Social Security and pension income generally count, and Medicare Savings Programs usually look at income before Medicare premiums or other deductions—not just the amount deposited into your bank account.

For reference, Medicare lists the 2026 federal monthly income limits for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program as $1,350 for an individual and $1,824 for a married couple. Resource limits also apply, and some states allow higher income or different exclusions. These are QMB eligibility figures, not hospital debt-forgiveness limits.

If you already had QMB when you received the care, providers cannot bill you for Medicare-covered Part A or Part B deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Those charges should be corrected.

A licensed Medicare agent can help review your coverage and available assistance, while the hospital and your state Medicaid office determine eligibility. Applying for help now does not automatically clear older bills.

Erick Vallarino · Answer

If you are below the poverty level, I can help you call each hospital's billing office and ask for their financial assistance or charity care application. Nonprofit hospitals are required to have one, and many will reduce or wipe out bills for people near the poverty level.

Most importantly, I help my clients apply for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Programs all the time, FREE of charge! If you qualify for QMB, doctors and hospitals can't bill you for Medicare deductibles and copays going forward. The income limits change every year, and they count your Social Security and pension together, so apply even if you think you're a little over.

Robert Loyd · Answer

Some doctors' offices, and especially hospitals, will often have a hardship program or something similar with a different name. They each have their own individual income requirements. I would recommend that, if you do have a bill that you can't afford, you reach out to the provider who's billing it and see if they have any individual programs that you might be eligible for.

Generally that's probably the question you're asking: Do you qualify for Medicaid? If that's the case you'll want to reach out to the social services office in your state and confirm the income limits. If you qualify it might be in your benefit to apply so that way they can take care of those bills for you. As far as your eligibility for Medicaid, that varies by state. Generally if you qualify for Medicaid, there are opportunities where they might be able to backdate the start date a month or so.

Bhavin Parikh · Answer

Yes, medical bills can often be written off or significantly reduced if your income is around or below the poverty level. Medical debt relief comes through hospital financial assistance (Charity Care), Medicaid, or Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).

Answered by Bhavin Parikh on November 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in NJ

Answered by Bhavin Parikh Medicare Insurance Agent

Terry Thomason · Answer

Each states has their own income/assets limits in relations to Medicaid. There is a retroactive coverage provided you would've qualified/eligibility for or during the received care. But, only the Social Security office can help you determine this kind of help.

Answered by Terry Thomason on November 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in CO

Answered by Terry Thomason Medicare Insurance Agent

Irma Lopez · Answer

The best solution would be to apply for Medicaid through your Health and Human services office near you.  They can assist with medical bills.

Theresa Beckwith · Answer

With Medicare or Medicare advantage plans you do have co-pays and coinsurance is depending on what your income is they sometimes can be forgiven. You can always reach out to me. Contact me.

I’m on Medicare and still owe medical bills. Can they be forgiven if I’m below the poverty level, and what’s the income limit with Social Security and a small pension?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website

I’m on Medicare and still owe medical bills. Can they be forgiven if I’m below the poverty level, and what’s the income limit with Social Security and a small pension?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website