what do you do for medical debt when your unemployed?can u go to jail for medical bills?can they take ur stuff

Question

I am 27 yr old female,I am unemployed due to health probs,and don't have medical insurance. I am currently seeking to get on disability.due to a disc l injury and other health probs II was hospitilized a few times in 2,005 n 2,006 and have wracked up a hospital bill debt of at least 12,000. I am not employed and my husb and I hardly make the ends meet as it is.Can they put me in jail I do not own a car or a home.WHAT SHOULD I DO??i cant get medical assistance either,AM I IN DANGER OF GOING TO JAIL.im unwell and the stress is making me so depressed! the bill collectors scare me.I havent been able to pay even a few dollars on it...plz someone what should I do???

Answer 1

In the US, you can never go to jail for unpaid debts. If you commit fraud to obtain the debt, you could go to jail for fraud. I seriously doubt that applies to medical bills. In most cases, medical bills are the easiest to negotiate. I recommend visiting the hospitals business office in person. Explain your situation and ask for mercy. People in the medical field tend to care about others more than the general population.

Answer 2

First of all dear heart, no they will not put you in jail, as the other writer informed you. Now, call the hospital accounting department, and explain what you have told us. And tell them, not ask, but tell them how much you can afford per month. I knew/know a guy that had a heart problem, $100 thousand owed to the hospital. He now works out of his home for cash, repairing cars. But has told the hospital he can pay only one hundred a month. Next, let's get the husband to a better job, and better insurance. Once or twice a month, do something fun, but cheap, that makes you happy, that is important too. You'll be okay, it takes time, but I will pray tonight for you, and I know you will get better.