Hi,
I have a hospital bill that went into collections. I had forgotten to pay off this bill and I know this is my fault. However, I never received a bill from the hospital, but I rec'd a bill from the collection agency. Was not the hospital supposed to first send me the bill?
I am right at my 30 days to request validation. However, I won't be making the payments. My insurance company will. So I need to appeal this with the insurance company and I am afraid that if I contact the collectors about this bill, they will try to accelerate all collection efforts. I tried to contact the hospital to advise that I never received the bill, but of course they don't want to hear that. What can I do in the meantime while I am trying to appeal this, do I advise the collector?
Hospital bill in collections
Hi Tevis,
Was not the hospital supposed to first send me the bill?
Yes, the hospital should have sent you the bill before handing it over to a collection agency.
According to the Medical Debt Relief Act, 2010 once you pay off medical bills in collections the item should be removed from your credit report. Thus, you need not worry about this debt. Set up a payment plan with the collection agency, and get the payment agreement in writing.
Thanks,
Aaron
hospital bill in collections
Hi Tevis,
Though the hospital should have sent you the bill it was your responsibility too to pay off the bill. I think you should try to pay off the debt. Talk to the collection agency and negotiate a settlement in case you are facing financial problems. Get the settlement agreement in writing.
Thanks,
Lorna
medical collections
Hi Tevis,
The hospital will never listen to this that you did not get the bill. Aaron has rightfully advised you to pay off this debt as the new reform bill requires the collector to remove the item from your credit report within 30 days of the payment.
Thanks