Holding a bill that doesn't make sense?

You're not alone, and you're allowed to ask questions about your bill.

Medical bills and insurance denials can be confusing and stressful. You have rights, and asking for a clear explanation is a normal, reasonable thing to do. We help you put your questions in writing with a calm, clear letter, the deadlines that apply, and a simple checklist.

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Illustration of a medical bill with one charge highlighted, next to a clear letter with a check mark and a checklist

Pick what fits your situation

I want to see every charge

Request an itemized bill with each charge and billing code listed.

Something on my bill looks wrong

Dispute duplicate charges, services you didn't get, or insurance that wasn't applied.

I got a surprise out-of-network bill

Use the federal No Surprises Act, including self-pay bills well above your Good Faith Estimate.

My insurance denied a claim

Ask your plan to reconsider with an internal appeal.

They said no again

Ask for an external review by an independent reviewer.

Start my letter

Re: Request for an itemized bill

Sincerely,

A preview of a finished letter. Yours uses your own details, and you can edit every word.

What you get

  • A clear, polite letter in plain language
  • The key deadline for your situation, with a link to the official source
  • A short checklist for sending it and keeping copies

See my letter

What this is

  • Self-help letter templates you fill in yourself
  • Plain-language guides that link to official sources
  • Deadlines and checklists so nothing slips

What this isn't

  • Not legal advice, and we're not a law firm
  • Not an insurer, a collection agency, or a government agency
  • Not a promise of any particular outcome

Your privacy

Your letter is made right in your web browser. We never see, send, or store your medical information. When you close the tab, what you typed is gone.

  • Made in your browser
  • No medical records stored
  • No account needed

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Answer a few questions

    Skip anything you don't know. You can fill it in later.

  2. Step 2

    Review your letter

    Edit any words so it sounds like you.

  3. Step 3

    Send it and keep a copy

    Note the date, and follow the checklist.

Appeals are uncommon, but they're your right. KFF found that HealthCare.gov consumers appealed fewer than 1% of denied in-network claims in 2024 (KFF).

The usual path, step by step

Most people start at step one and only go further if they need to. These are common federal timeframes from CMS.gov and HealthCare.gov. Your plan or state may differ, so always check your own notices.

  1. 1

    Ask for an itemized bill

    See every charge. Ask as soon as you can.

  2. 2

    Dispute an error

    Point out duplicates or missing insurance. For a self-pay bill well above your Good Faith Estimate, the federal dispute window is generally 120 days from the bill date.

  3. 3

    Internal appeal

    Ask your plan to reconsider a denial. Generally file within 180 days of the denial notice.

  4. 4

    External review

    An independent reviewer looks at it. Generally file within 4 months of the final denial.

General information, not legal advice. Read the free guides for details and sources.

Simple pricing, no surprises

One letter is $24. The full kit is $44. You pay once, with no subscription and no percentage of what you save. If it isn't helpful, email us within 30 days for a full refund. See pricing

Free help that exists

You don't have to pay anyone to get help. These free resources are worth knowing about:

Questions people ask

Is it okay to question a medical bill?

Yes. Asking for an itemized bill or pointing out a mistake is a normal request.

Is this legal advice?

No. These are self-help documents and general information. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed attorney or your state's consumer assistance program.

Do you store my medical information?

No. The questionnaire runs in your browser and nothing you type is sent to us.

Will this lower my bill or reverse a denial?

We can't promise that. A clear, documented request sent on time gives you the best footing, but the decision belongs to the provider, insurer, or reviewer.

What if I miss a deadline?

Contact the provider or plan anyway and ask what options remain. Our guides explain the main federal deadlines, but your plan or state may differ.

How do I reach you?

Email [email protected]. A person reads every message. Please don't send medical records.