Will doctor bills ruin your credit?

Question

I have alot of doctor bills because I didn't have insurance. I owe ALOT of money.

Answer 1

Typically unpaid medical bills are turned over to collections after about 90 days.  The collection agency will report the medical bill to the credit bureau and it will hurt your credit score.

Try to work out a discount since you don't have insurance.  Many doctors will give you a break.

It the debts have already gone to collections and are showing on your credit report, you can negotiate a pay for delete -- often for less than full amount.  Lump sum gets the best deals and payment plans have to be short term.

Get any settlement agreement in writing and don't give them direct access to your bank account.

Answer 2

If the courts grant them a judgement against you then the answer is yes.  They could also turn you over to a collection agency and if they don't collect it goes on your credit report as an unpaid collection so the answer is yes.

Answer 3

Doctors and hospitals are very good about working out payment arraignments with you and if you make your payments when you should there will be no reflection on your credit report.

If you do not make arraignments or your payments then they will refer it to a collection company and it will surely go on your credit report.

So make an arrangement that you can stick to and make your payments on time.

Answer 4

you bet.  Credit card companies don't care if you were dead, as long as they suck the last drop of blood from you.  One thing you should look into is the publications/lectures of Elizabeth Warren, a Harvard Law School professor who specilized in bancrupcy/credit card laws

Answer 5

yes they do

Answer 6

Not paying your medical bills will hurt your credit.

Call the Hospital's Accounting Office and ask about charity or payment plans.