I have been paying on a 2500.00 dollar medical bill every month for 10 months, now last month I guess they didn't update their records and they say that they didn't get payment. I went ahead and paid this months bill, and Friday I got a nasty letter saying I owe the full amount! What are my rights? And how should I deal with them?
2007-10-07 05:49:35 · 6 answers · asked by jamijokidd 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Do you have a written payment agreement? Do you have proof that you made those payments on time? If you have proof that you paid, send them copies of your cancelled checks showing you paid.
Did you make the payment arrangements with the medical provider or with the collection company? It could be that your account has been turned over or sold to a collection agency. Medical providers usually don't keep unpaid accounts over 3 months.
They could be trying to get larger payments to get the debt cleared up faster. One thing to remember is that you are in default which means the whole debt is due and payable. So they could demand full payment.
2007-10-07 06:01:19 · answer #1 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always make a paper trail, and keep your receipts. Also, become pro-active with concerns of this debt. What I mean is to be on the offense, not the defense. Tell them that you would like to make an offer of 50% on the dollar to pay the balance off now. Get your money together before you make the proposal. I've done this for my ex-husbands debt before we were married, twice. If the rep refuses,(because he will not admit that he doesn't know of this procedure) ask for a supervisor or for someone to contact you regarding the matter. Act as though you're in control, because you are. If they agree, also ask that a letter regarding the payoff be sent to the reporting Credit Bureau's & a copy for yourself. If they are local, then do this in person & don't leave without your copy. Good luck :)
2007-10-11 12:13:19 · answer #2 · answered by dtown 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do but in some cases you can work out a settlement with them but it will still show on your credit report that you did not pay in full. But it will drop off after 3-5 years.
Just keep sending the payment you agreed on and you need to get a copy of the canceled check or money order you used to pay them and get this straightened out.
2007-10-07 13:01:46 · answer #3 · answered by BILL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can ask,but that does not mean they are going to get it!!Call them up a.s.a.p,and tell them you made your payment,most likely the letter that came in the mail was sent by mistake.By Law,if you are making payments on the account,they have no legal standing!!They would rather get something, rather than nothing!!Right?Don't get all worried about it,they like to threaten people....that's their job.Just go on paying like you normally do!!Everything will get straightened out.
2007-10-07 13:04:05 · answer #4 · answered by debi jean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do. Unless you have it in writing otherwise. If you are dealing with an collection agency you should always send payment registered mail return receipt requested.
2007-10-07 18:37:21 · answer #5 · answered by heybulldog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they do have the right to request full payment ..you can fax them a reciept of theh paid amount .. they can only contact you once a day .. the law varies by state..you can look up info on FDCPA for further info ..search that in yahoo.. they're info probably didnt update since the payment.
2007-10-07 12:59:39 · answer #6 · answered by Jackofalltrades216 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋