<prompt> Human: Some back story. A few years ago I was between jobs wo medical insurance. Ended up with pneumonia and a substantial bill. Somewhere around 50k the closest hospital that I thought I would not die at was a for profit cancer treatment center. Fast forward and I am making about 40k a year, have 2 young children and am supporting my girlfriend through school. I have never liked the idea of bankruptcy. A few people have suggested it though, including one financial advisor. Just wondering if its better to try and make a deal to start paying off my debt, or if claiming would make more sense. Edit: So far some good responses. I will be attempting to contact the hospital and try to work this thing out. If for some reason it does not work out. What can I expect to happen if I do file for bankruptcy? I understand that I could talk to a lawyer. But again, I have an unfounded fear that they wont necessarily have my best interests in mind.  <response>: Most hospitals will work with you on paying the bill. There is a sort of financial assistance form or something you have to fill out. Filing bankruptcy for one large billinstitution isnt going to be good nor solve your problem. You cant show favor to one and not pay the others. Your girlfriend can still work and go to school. Theres no reason why she cant work even a PT job; any income is better than NO income. Not paying any of it, hurts the healthcare system and the rest of us who DO pay.When someones bill gets written of, the hospital suffers that loss. Theyre not just going to forget about that lost money. To make it up, costs are going to increase all around. 