What to do if collections are calling and no money to pay?

Question

Alright so i went to the hosipital they did some test and found NOTHING....gave me vicodiin called it good. Anyways i have a hospital bill thats $700 now i know thats not a lot but right now it is for me. I just got put on seasonal unemployment and make only enough to pay my rent and BARELY scrap by on bills....now i know you can work with creditors to pay a montly amount but your just raking up the interest and just paying WAY more. Is there any kind of paper work you can file other than bankruptsy since its such a small amount? Hate to see my credit slowly getting ruined for some very small bill.

Answer 1

You should look into some type of Consumer Credit Counseling, look them up in the phone book. They can help you establish a payment plan which usually means they can stop or reduce the interest rates the credit card companies charge. Most CCC are free to the public.

Answer 2

I don't know what city or town you live in, but if you go to the hospital and sit down with a real person face to face and explain you financial situation perhaps they will have a plan like they do here in Chicago to help people with the bill or totally write it off as you probably don't have health insurance. They will try to help you, trust me, it's to their benefit. If you have some idiots calling you from a collection agency, IGNORE THEM at all cost, because any money you send them, the hospital will never see it, deal directly with the hospital and they will help.
Best of luck to you and good health!!

Answer 3

There is a law called the Hill-Burton act. I'm not sure of the details, but the gist of it is that any hospital that accepts tax money has to participate in providing care to persons without insurance. There are income guidelines, but if you are unemployed you should qualify easily. You have to call them and apply for this. Basically, it will pay all or part of your bill. Wish I knew more. Good Luck!