Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Arkansas

Penalties for lack of payment

I have a medical condition that requires frequent visits to the ER. I have no insurance and have considered SSI, but that requires me not to work and though they would pay my medical, or at least some part of it.. I would lose my income.

I pay on the medical bills that I can... in no exact order, I just try to pay each off, because I hate owing money.

One agency is suing me and I'm very worried about it.. Friends and family have said that I can't be jailed for this.. but... they're not lawyers.

Directly: Can I be jailed or held for this? What sorts of legal action can I expect? And can the refuse service because of my debt?

I understand that hospitals are a business like any other... but do to the outrageous rates (they charge 57 times more per unit of medicine than my local pharmacy).. I cannot pay these bills very fast.

Thank you for your time and I appreciate any information any of you can give.


Asked on 10/11/04, 4:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Harvey Harris Harris Law Firm

Re: Penalties for lack of payment

They cannot put you in jail for failing to pay your medical bills, unless you do something criminal. That would mean lying, illegally hiding your money to avoid paying them, some type of fraud, etc. So, as long as you honestly can't afford to pay, they can't arrest you.

If they sue you, they can get a judgment against you. This allows them to more aggressively pursue payment. They could garnish your wages or your bank account. They could potentially take some of your property, such as a house or car, if either one has enough equity to make it worth their time. You may want to consult an attorney if you receive a Complaint and Summons in the mail. This will signal the start of their action against you.

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Answered on 10/12/04, 10:27 am


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