Hospital stays and visits to the doctor's office can get cripplingly expensive. To make matters worse, being sick often requires that time be taken off from work, which can effectively reduce overall income. If you are in a financial hole because of medical expenses, this guide on how to get help with medical bills may help you find some relief.

Are you or someone in your family in need of extensive medical treatment, and you don't have adequate health insurance? It is no secret that health care costs are rising, and you may be wondering how to pay for procedures or prescriptions. Fortunately, there a number of ways to save money and/or find assistance with medical bills, and this guide will help push you in the right direction.

Doctors offices and even hospitals are essentially businesses, and may be negotiated with like other retailers. It may be unsettling to liken your physician to a car dealership, but the truth is that most medical establishments negotiate with insurance companies on a regular basis. If you explain your financial predicament and offer to pay a lower amount for services, you just may receive a deal (it helps to offer cash). http://www.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2007/11/29/5-ways-to-lower-your-medical-bills.html

For basic medical needs, you may be able to find free or low-cost care through state and federally funded health clinics. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services finances clinics in major cities and rural areas, where patients are charged based on a sliding income scale. Services performed include checkups, care for the sick, pregnancy care, dental care, child immunizations, substance abuse help and more. To find a clinic near you, visit the HSRA website. http://www.hrsa.gov/

If your needs extend beyond what a clinic can offer, you may be able to qualify for financial assistance with your medical expenses. There are many organizations that exist to help those with chronic illnesses or financial hardship. Try the Healthwell Foundationhttp://www.healthwellfoundation.org/, Patient Advocate Foundationhttp://www.patientadvocate.org/, Chronic Disease Fundhttp://www.cdfund.org/ and Patient Access Network Foundationhttps://www.panfoundation.org/, among others.

• If you are elderly or have children, and you meet income eligibility requirements, you may also be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid. Contact your local Social Security office for details.