Medical debt should be covered by insurance and is currently under investigation with medical facility. In the meantime, debt was purchased by a collection agency who now is calling repeatedly demanding payment. I've disputed with credit bureaus and with collection agency, but they are now threatening legal action. What else can I do?
2007-09-13 09:08:36 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
You could pay it and then if the insurance company does pay, you will be reimbursed. Don't let your credit get screwed because of an insurance company. The collection agency has every legal right to call and collect this debt from you.
2007-09-17 07:50:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would file a complaint with my state Attorney General's office, including all documentation. I would also copy each credit bureau you've had contact with and the collection agency.
I have state government much more responsive than the federal government. State government determines who is allowed to do business within the state and I've found this a very effective way of getting the attention of companies.
You might also consider contacting local television stations to apply additional pressure.
Good luck!
2007-09-13 16:25:26 · answer #2 · answered by crustysob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Write the collection agency and tell them you do not want to be contacted by phone. Do a certified letter so you have proof they recieved the letter. They have to stop calling at that point. They are also required to send you a letter, stating who they are trying to collect for, and that you have so many days to send it back saying you are disputing the claim.
They will threaten legal action, which this is also illegal for them to do, unless they actually intend on taking you to court.
With the letter, the phone calls should stop. You can also tell them on the phone that you do not want them to call you anymore, and that should make the calls stop, but the letter is your written proof.
Depending on how much its for, they probably won't take you to court. If you are disputing it, then they probably can't take you to court, and if they do, then you can explain it all to the judge, and they will decide on what to do.
2007-09-13 16:19:00 · answer #3 · answered by George P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing you should do is send the collection agency a certified letter demanding all communication be in writing to you, and failure to stop all phone calls will result in you reporting them to the states attorney generals office. They will be required to stop calling you.
Then there isnt much you can do. they have every right to sue for the clai. Remember, many states have a statute of limitations on colectig unsecured debt. Without a court judgement, your debt could end up being worthless to them. Getting sued doesnt mean you will lose. In fact it may help you. You can inform your insurance company that you are being sued, and will be forced to hire an attorney to argue your case. Tell them that you will instruct your attorney to counter sue them for the full amount, interest court costs and attorney's fees.
2007-09-13 16:16:11 · answer #4 · answered by patrick 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the medical facility is investigating, you should ask them to recall the debt from the collection agency.
What does your insurance company say about the outstanding bill? Is this one of those several years old bills that pops up and the insurance company says is now too old?
2007-09-13 16:22:47 · answer #5 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a court order to get your insurance to pay the bill. If it is under 5k you can take them to small claims court.
In the mean time you should be making the payments. Even if you win the case and get your full compensation you are ruining your credit with this.
Without a court order stating otherwise this is your debt and they have every right to collect it.
2007-09-13 16:14:29 · answer #6 · answered by Landlord 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
perhaps your local attorney generals office? perhaps the BBB.
2007-09-13 16:12:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋