Debt negosiation?

Question

I have 2 medical bill collections. I do not have the income to pay them . How can I negitiate with them to get rid of the debt.

Answer 1

Sometimes after a period of time, the company will charge them off - meaning that they just report that as a loss. This can be bad for your credit though and it usually takes quite a while for them to do this. Try to make arrangements for a payment plan if possible.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, it seems as though our government is completely backwards in this area! There are several programs out there that will help you when you are unable to afford medical care. Sorry to say, if you work and are responsible, it is almost impossible to access! 3 years ago, I was rushed to the hospital and I did not have medical insurance. When I recovered, I received a bill for over $3000!!! When I went to negotiate, I was told that because I was white, spoke English and did not have any kids, I had the possibility to get a high paying job in the future that could pay for these bills & so they would not be willing to subsidize the medical expenses I had accrued, but they were able to set up a payment plan.

Now, that being said; you have several options.
-You can set up a payment plan. Mine was $25 a month and when ever I had extra cash (Which was rare while I was in school) I sent in an extra payment.
-If your bill is in collections, you cannot negotiate with the hospital, but you can negotiate with the Collections Agency. They most likely purchased your debt from the hospital for 50 cents on the dollar, so now you know that they have room. You can choose to set up a payment plan, or you can make them an offer. Let’s say your bill was $3000 like mine. Try offering them $300-a ridiculously low amount. Tell them you have the cash now and you will send out a check today, if not, you need to set up a payment plan with them for $10 a month and you refuse to pay any more then that! See what they say! A friend of mine did that and they took the deal! It seems as though they would rather get a little cash right away then $10/month for the next 25 years :)

One good thing is that medical expenses do not show up on your credit history. If you choose to not pay your medical bills (or you are just unable to do so) there is a statute of limitations and after so many years, the collection agency will not be able to call you anymore. I would have a hard time doing that, but if it is your only option, at least it is available…... as long as you don’t mind the annoying phone calls.

I hope that you are able to work something out! Good Luck!

Answer 3

Well, first step would be to call whoever supplied the service and tell them you have financial problems.