I have insurance; but did a procedure that my insurance did not fully cover. I owed approx 600 dollars on a 5000 dollar procedure. It is now with a collection company. But; if I don't pay it; what's the worse that can happen? Does it affect my credit? Can I still visit the collecting hospital? Etc.
2007-03-15 02:09:08 · 5 answers · asked by craigb421 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
Set up a payment plan or it will ruin your credit. They cant do a thing if you pay them 10 dollars month.
2007-03-15 02:17:08 · answer #1 · answered by deogee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's with a collection agency, it's already been reported on your credit.
What they can do is file a lawsuit against you and get a judgment with the court.
Why on earth don't you just start making payments on it? Call the hospital or collection agency, either one. Make arrangements to pay it off. The longer you let it sit there, the worse off you are. They are allowed to add interest to the bill if you aren't paying it so it will become more than $600 if you don't start paying and it will sit on your credit report for 7 years and screw up your credit.
2007-03-15 02:18:02 · answer #2 · answered by Faye H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will affect your credit negatively once it is reported to the credit bureau.
Each hospital has a different policy with regard to use of facilities so you need to check with them.
As for the collection agency they can call, write letters, file suit, and obtain a judgment but all must be reasonable and all must comply with the fair debt collections practice act - see the link.
You really want to prevent this from getting to suit as you will be responsible for court cost and possibly attorney's fees. If the agency gets a judgment that will negatively effect your credit even more!
2007-03-15 02:17:28 · answer #3 · answered by SirSmartAzz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably already on your credit as a collection action. Depending on the state you live in and the company, they can sue, get a judgement, attach it to your property (adding in all the fees as they accumulate) and in some states they can attempt to garnish your wages. Hospital probably can't refuse to see you, but can insist you attempt to make payment arrangements.
Call them and work out a payment plan.
2007-03-15 02:14:38 · answer #4 · answered by wizjp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will effect your credit. The hospital would have to admit you on an emergency basis, however if the bill is not paid they could refuse to admit you if it wasn't an emergency.
2007-03-15 02:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by don n 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋