Unpaid Hospital Bill................?

Question

Last year I went into the ER thinking I was having a miscarriage and it turned out that I was just having an irregular period. I was 17 at the time and I am now 18. They sent me a bill for $1,028.63 and I called them right away saying there was no way I would be able to pay that back to them. Therefore they set my account up for charity to see if they could pay at least half of it for me and everytime I call the hospital they say it's still pending. I am now recieving phone calls from a collection agency that won't leave me alone. I have told them several times that my account is pending charity and I even call the hospital to make sure that is so and they continue to tell me YES. I now don't know what to do because i'm scared that the collection agency will take me to court, can they do that? It's also gaining interest of $10 a month. I still cannot afford the bill as I am now 6 months pregnant and I don't work. My fiancee makes $2,100 a month will they garnish his wages or what?

Answer 1

I'll be very honest with you. The collection agencies will always tell you they are going to take you to court. It's a scare tactic. Send the collection agency a letter telling them you will only communicate via mail. Tell them to stop calling you and if they violate this you will sue them for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Send all letters certified with a return receipt. Keep copies of your letters. Tell them the situation and let them know you are not going to pay any of this debt until the hospital lets you know whether or not you owe it, based on the charity outcome. If it turns out you will need to pay it, offer to pay like $25 per month. That will cover interest and a small amount of the balance. Continue to offer until they accept. And if they take you to court, don't be scared!! Keep all your documention and when the judge sees you have made an effort, they won't garnish any wages. Don't stress out over this. Take control of it. Don't let them control you.

Answer 2

Tell the collection agency your birthday- YOU ARE NOT LIABLE for any contract in the U.S.A. unless you are 18 at the time!!  No they cannot garnish your fiances wages.  Call the hospital & tell them that if they do not delete this account immediately that you will take them to court for even allowing you to sign yourself into the hospital under age 18- much less charge you & ruin your credit.  They know the law, I think they may have entered your date of birth wrong or just making a stupid mistake.