Stop calling the wrong office about your medical bill.
BillRoute tells you exactly who has authority over your case based on your insurance type, calculates your legal deadlines, and fills in the 12 letters you need. In 10 minutes, not 5 months.
Get my action plan – $19 Try the free checkThe bill is wrong. Nobody will fix it. And the clock is ticking.
You call billing, they send you to insurance. Insurance sends you back to billing. Meanwhile your appeal window and your financial-assistance window are quietly closing, and the account is about to go to collections.
“How was I supposed to know what state or federal department handled my specific type of plan?”– a patient on r/HospitalBills, after 5 months of fighting a $4,000 bill
Wrong office
Employer plans, state-regulated plans, Medicare and Medicaid each have a different regulator. Complain to the wrong one and your case gets closed.
Missed deadlines
120 days, 180 days, 240 days, 30 days. Each protection has its own clock. Miss it and you lose it.
No paper trail
Phone promises don't count. Written requests and a call log are what get bills reduced.
How BillRoute works
1 · Answer 3 questions
Your coverage type, what went wrong, and the key dates. Not sure if your employer plan is self-funded? We show you how to find out in 1 minute.
2 · Get your route
A step-by-step plan in the right order, the exact agencies with authority over your case, and every deadline calculated from your dates.
3 · Send the letters
12 fill-in letters: itemized bill + hold, error dispute, No Surprises Act, appeal, external review, charity care, debt validation, board escalation and more.
Free check: who regulates your health plan?
Pick your coverage to see who has authority over your bill.
Why not just hire a bill negotiator?
For big bills, they can be worth it. For a $500–$5,000 bill, you're often giving away hundreds of dollars for steps you can do yourself.
| Option | Cost | Tells you which agency handles your plan | Your data |
|---|---|---|---|
| BillRoute | $19 once | ✔ Yes, by insurance type, with deadlines | Stays on your device |
| Bill negotiation services | Typically 10–35% of savings or $100+ per bill | They handle it for you | Shared with the service |
| Free letter templates online | $0 | ✘ Letters only, no routing or deadlines | Varies |
Get your action plan today
- Personal action plan for 9 coverage types
- Automatic deadline calculator
- 12 fill-in dispute letters (copy, print or PDF)
- Call & email log with CSV export
- Works offline, private by design
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Secure checkout by Lemon Squeezy. Instant download.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I complain to about a medical bill?
It depends on your coverage. Self-funded employer plans are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor (EBSA). Fully insured employer plans and individual plans are also overseen by your State Insurance Department. Surprise out-of-network bills go to the CMS No Surprises Help Desk (1-800-985-3059). Original Medicare appeals go to the Medicare contractor on your Medicare Summary Notice. Debt collectors are covered by the CFPB.
How long do I have to appeal a denied claim?
For most employer and individual plans, at least 180 days from the denial notice. For Original Medicare redeterminations, 120 days. Always check the deadline printed on your notice.
My bill is way higher than the estimate. Can I dispute it?
If you were uninsured or self-pay and the bill is at least $400 more than the provider's Good Faith Estimate, you can start the federal dispute process within 120 days of the date on the initial bill. BillRoute checks this for you.
How long do I have to apply for hospital financial assistance?
Nonprofit hospitals must accept applications for at least 240 days after the first post-discharge bill (IRS section 501(r)).
Is this legal advice?
No. BillRoute is an educational self-help tool built from official federal sources. It is not legal advice and is not affiliated with any government agency. For complex or high-value cases, talk to a licensed attorney or patient advocate.
What do I get after I pay?
An instant download: a single file you open in any browser, on phone or computer. No account, no subscription. If it doesn't help, ask for a refund within 14 days.