Many patient account departments at hospitals would rather work with you on setting up a lowered payment type plan that fits in your budget before they will allow for debt forgiveness. If you have a job, it is unlikely you would qualify for debt forgiveness but it depends on your income level. However it is important for your credit that you talk to them to set up a plan than not to pay at all in the interim, very important!!! Call them, it is in both your interests.

Also if you are in a position to know that you can afford a certain amount to pay a month, have an idea what that number is when you call to negotiate. Sometimes you can get payments down to as low as $10 in extreme cases, typically $15/$25/$35 is more common (so as not to be surprised if suggested), or have seen up to $100 a month depending on your income. Your debt is not so much a factor as it is based on your income, like many other financial institutions, unfair, yes. They should be willing to work with you if you work with them in good faith to show you are willing to pay your bill but just need to lower the payment. Call them, explain due the medical you are experiencing hardship, want to make sure you can pay the bill and not get behind, but wanted to see if a lower payment plan could be set up in good faith. Good luck!