Medical Bill Collections, Help!?

Question

I recieved a phone call today from a collections agency regarding some unpaid medical bills, i'm trying to fix my credit and was wondering if unpaid medical bills greatly effect your credit score? And i also heard when dealing with a collections agency they may settle for a payment less than what is owed? Is this true? Any other information regarding this situation would be greatly appreciated =]

Answer 1

Unpaid medical bills affect your credit just like any other debt.  Were you aware of these bills?  Before you do anything, ask for written proof that this agency really owns the debt and that it is yours.

Answer 2

yes they do affect your score. Offer them 50 cents on the dollar as a settled amount. DO Not give them access to your checking account or any thing else. Tell them you want it in writing before you will send them a dime. They won't do it the first call but tell them to make your offer a part of the file and not to call back until they will accept the terms. They will call every day and if you tell it enough they will accept the terms. Pay them by cashiers check or money order only. Once done then in 30 days check your credit report to make sure it is posted to the account

Good luck

Answer 3

medical bills will hurt. Get a pay for delete letter before you pay. No matter if you settle or pay in full, get that letter.

http://www.creditliberty.com/credit-repa...

Answer 4

If you are sure these are your bills, you can make a settlement offer to pay for delete.  If the debt is over 3 years old, offer 25%; 2 or 3 years old, offer 50%; less than 2, offer 75%.  Lump sum gets the best deal.  Any payment plan has to be short term.

Send them a letter with your offer.  Specifically say "this is not an acknowledgment of the debt by an attempt to expedite removal from my credit report."   You will pay $x if they will remove the item or not report the item to your credit file.

Ask that an authorized agent sign and return a copy of your letter as indication they accept your offer.  Make lines at the bottom of the letter for signature, date, and print name.

When you get the signed copy, send the payment.  Do not give the collector direct access to your bank account.