That's actually backwards. You are in a better negotiating position, when you've had the treatment and been given the bill. You can simply say, I can't afford

That's actually backwards. You are in a better negotiating position, when you've had the treatment and been given the bill. You can simply say, I can't afford that bill and I can't pay it. Don't beg or ask. Tell them. The people trying to collect money from you are paid a commission based upon how much they collect.