Is there a min. payment that can be paid to medical creditors to prevent them from turning over to collection?

Question

My mother-in-law has some outrageous medical debt from her husband's bone marrow transplant last year. He reached his lifetime insurance maximum afterwards and then passed away, leaving her with approx 250K in medical debt that she will never be able to pay back. I'd like to avoid bankruptcy if possible, but fear that may be the only option remaining.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear of your loss.  Contrary to the above, it is NOT true that making a token payment prevents collection action.  Is your MIL legally liable for these debts or is her husband's estate liable?  Is the estate in probate?  I would consult an estate attorney if you have not done so.

Answer 2

you need to talk to the medical providers. but also as your father in law passed away she may not be liable for the debt. talk to a legal advisor.

Answer 3

i have a ton of medical bills i send usually 25 a month if not that then 10 they can not turn you over if you make payments but even if you don't make a payment and they turn you over med. bills do not effect you credit good luck

Answer 4

call them and negotiate

Answer 5

Most medical will work with you and as long as you make some kind of effort then they usually dont say much, but I agree with the other girl, I dont think she should be held responsible if he passed. She needs to talk to a lawyer and see what her options are, usually a consultation is free.

Answer 6

These appear to be your father in laws' debts.  Unless your mother in law signed a paper agreeing to be financially responsible, she is probably not on the hook for these bills.  I think that this would be a routine question for any probate attorney.  What does the attorney handling the father in law's estate have to say.  If you're trying to do this without an attorney to save money, don't.  Handling it incorrectly could result in expenses far beyond what an attorney would charge to advise you.