medical bills and debt collectors?

Question

I have about $1900 in medical debt. I have two kids a mortgage and a car pymnt. I dont make great $$ at work, and I have this guy calling me all the time to collect on that debt. I have told him time and time again that all I can really afford right now is $100 a month, and that if I get a good bonus I can pay more some months. He is insisting on me paying 333 for 6 months or he is getting a judgement put against me. What can I do? If he does that I will have to quit my job because I wouldnt be able to afford daycare. UGH! help!

Answer 1

HOLD UP!!! I know I wont be popular here but I am a Collection Supervisor.
You say he is harrasing you but he is not doing anything illegal unless he calls you several times in the same day.with the intent to harrass or by using crude language. And just because he is being persistant and pushing for more $ doesnt make it illegal. Also, someone said as long as you send something he cant sue -- Completely not true! Just because you came up with your own payment plan does not mean they need to accept it..... Trust me becasue I wouldnt accept an 19 month pymnt plan either.

However, you only owe them $1900.... Chances are for that amount he wont sue you because it will cost about $350 in suit fees plus an attorney will take 20% of what ever they would collect... And just because they win a judgement doesnt mean they get paid right away - They'd still have to go after you for post-judgment collections which also cost money....
Anyway, here is you best bet - Tell the guy he can keep asking for more money but that you are being 100% honest with him that you cant afford more --- Tell him how broke you are and ask him if there is any way you can negotiate a settlement (Hospitals do this all the time)... He will cringe at your request but I betcha they consider it and what harm is there in asking - Try to get him to make the first offer because then you know where to start negotiation from - If he says 75% shoot for 50%...If he says 50% shoot for 30%.... Worse case scanrio they say no... If that happens then give them a sob story and tell him you borrowed money and will send him $150 this month...If you can budge at all the collector will feel like they did their job and maybe they'll back off a lil'.....I shouldnt say this but if you can string him along for a few more months there is no way they'll spend money for legal fees cuz it will cost more then its worth...The only thing you need to worry about tho is a bad credit mark on your credit report and that they possibly send you to a collection agency --- Which again... You can negotiate with them.....

They dont want to sue you --- It cost them money....But you need to at least make them feel like you're working with them if you want to win.

Answer 2

Debt collectors often cull through old debts before they expire after 7 years and try to get payments. I'd ignore it if I were you. Simply hang up, don't try to talk to them. They depend on people talking to try to make their threats. Remember how the system works. The hospital that originally had your debt has sold it. The debt collector who bought the debt for pennies wants to get their money back plus a profit. On your credit report, you'll now have 2 entries: the hospital who sold the debt, the debt collector who bought the debt. Even if you pay the debt collector, your original hospital bill will still be on your credit report. The debt collector's entry will be on there for 7 more years if you start paying them. Paying resets the clock for how long the entry can stay on your credit report. Don't pay it. When you realize it's the debt collector, say nothing more and hang up. As for your age, most states will hold 17yos responsible for debts. Technically maybe your parents are responsible for it's a waste of time to try to fight that.

Answer 3

There are laws that pertect you especially if you are paying him something it can be $5. They have free dept counselors. Make sure everything you do is in writing. You do not need to quit your job, but you can get a better one. Consumer Affairs might be able to help you. You can explain your hardship too, and you intend on paying the bill. Debt collector can not harrass you, call after 8pm. Free debt counelors that write letter or $25 to help you with this one. Fear no mere man. You have over extended yourself. Try to consolidate for a while a get rid of your debt being that you do have a house. About the children dad--can he help is he paying child support or giving you allowance for children. SS for children the man has do help too. Equity yet. When people know you own a house they will help you read the small print and understand they can not leave you homeless. God bless you and know your rights.

Answer 4

Speaking from experiencing this with people I know - You do have some options - first just stick to your budget and pay the $100.00 per month consistently. When he calls again, tell him you are taping the conversation, and that you will report him for harassment. The fact that you tell him you are recording the conversation usually will cause him to leave you alone. And since you are making the $100.00 payments every month, that means that the company has agreed to those terms, since they are cashing your checks. You don't need to take his calls anymore, and just say the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over again - you are taping the conversation, and let him talk. Then, hang up. This usually sends these obnoxious uncaring people away. You see, they make money on the money that collect, so their only interest is what they pocket, not your situation. I hope that helps.

Answer 5

Pay as much as you can- most likely they will put that up on your record, but they will do it anyway- whether you pay all at once or $50 per month. The guy is being threatening like that b/c he makes $$ off what he manages to collect for the company he works for. Don't let them bully you, and try to screen your calls.

Answer 6

If you are paying monthly, he cannot do that. If you don't pay, then he can. Tell him he is harassing you and you are going to report him. You are paying as promised and you know there is a harassment charge he will not like if he continues. You will pay the agreed amount and if you get more, you will pay more and you do not want to hear from him again unless you default on your agreement or he will hear from a lawyer.

I used to have the same thing. You don't have to pay but 5 dollars and they cannot do a thing. He is just harrassing you. I finally got out of my debt and you will too. Hang in there. Hugs to you. You can do it.

Answer 7

i don't really know the answer to this BUT i saw some thing on tv a while back about debt collectors and if they are mean to you just hang up... seriously... the guy on there had been a debt collector for years and the things he'd say to people (like i'm gonna come kill your dogs... and blah blah blah) were flat out MEAN! and he basically said that they would never and could never do anything like that...

personally i'd just not answer when they call... i really don't know what you SHOULD do though... def don't quit your job to pay for it... that's just insane if they think you should do that!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Be sure you get his name and the name of the collection agency. Call the agency to and ask to take to the supervisor to file a complaint. If you do not get relief this way, try calling the the attorney general's office in your state. There may be additional measures you can take as a consumer.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Use negotiating powers. What worked for a friend was that she told them she'd only pay half and that would be all in cash up front. Also, make sure they send you a copy of the bill as it is unbelievable the sh!t that they mark up or make "mistakes" on. Stand your ground!

Answer 10

Pay them when you can. Thats all you can do. At least your paying 100$ a month! more than nothing.

Dont worry about it. Pay what you can. As long as you have a pay arrangement and if your paying on time they cant put a judgement against you.