Hospital won't work with me on my bills? help?

Question

I owe 755 dollars at my local hospital in NJ, my date of service was 4/17/07. They said I have to pay equal amounts in a 6 month period or i go to collections. I am unemployed, and tried to set up a 25 dollar/month payment plan that was denied. I tried charity care but did not qualify...what can i do??? I don't get how everyone else gets away with 25/month at this hospital but me??

Answer 1

yep, just send them what you can pay each month and if they refer you to collections, tell the collector you are making payments, you are unemployed and you have asked the hospital for a need based payment plan. Then follow the process in your state to stop collection harrassment if they persist.

As a landlord who does credit screening, I can tell you that we don't consider a medical debt issue to be a serious indicator of a problem with the applicant themselves. Nobody wants to get sick or injured. Its the people that buy consumer goods they don't need and then fail to pay for them that make creditors nervous.

Answer 2

The hospital (or the charity) might have denied your Charity Care case because they believe you have other assets or some ability to pay the bill.

Bottom line is that $755 is a small amount to owe a hospital.
If you do nothing and pay the $25/month, they will likely send it to a collection agency.
Assuming you continue with $25/month, a collection agent can't do much more than scare you into paying the whole thing.

I would suggest sending them a formal letter offering a alternate payment strategy.

Offer less than you think you can afford and negotiate.
Also make sure that they agree to NOT report any derogatory info to the credit bureaus.

If you need some professionally written sample letters,
go to http://www.creditscoresystems.com
The letters are free. The site also offers follow-up letters you can use.

Good luck!

Answer 3

What hospitals don't want patients to know. Yes, they do get contributions for financial hardship. Hence, cancer patients, children's units get donations. The financial office of that hospital needs to assist you. It's the law depending in which state you live. You can arrange with the financial department, show them your income, show them your bills. Go to the managers . And they ought to assist you.
I have done that in the past . I am 100% disabeled. No longer work and have no taxable income.
So go there and don't let them push you away. And if all fails $ 1.00 if that's all you can pay a month, they have to take it whether they like or not. Otherwise, go with Better Business bureau. Good luck!

Answer 4

Actually a 6 month payment plan is rather generous. Normally hospitals will only allow 3 months. They don't have to accept your long term payment plan. At $25/mo it will take more than 2 years to pay this off.

If you send them the $25, they will take your money. But they will still turn you over to collections. The collection agent will call and threathen but he also will take your payment. He could still take you to court, though.

Answer 5

Send what you can....they won't turn it away! You can only pay what you can pay. being able to eat and have a roof over your head is more important right now. I'm not saying that paying your bills isn't important...but we've all been there. Do what you can and they will work with you....even if they don't like it. As long as they see you are making the effort....you will be fine.

Answer 6

Keep sending $25/month. If they cash your check or accept your money order they have, in fact, accepted your payment plan. You may also want to contact your local BAR association to see if you can find a lawyer who will work on pro bono basis.

Answer 7

♥ I believe that because Medical attention is a necessity that they have to take $1 a month if thats what you can afford. Talk to a higher person or contact a lawyer for a consult. Good Luck!

Answer 8

keep sending 25.00 and don't take their harassing phone calls