Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida
Can a private hospital turn me into collections if I do not pay my bill in full within 90 days, even if I have made payments toward the bill in those 90 days? I was told I had to sign up for their 3rd party payment plan through a company that charges me interest on the bill after 6 months and charges me an annual fee(before those 90 days were up to avoid being sent to collections from the hospital). Is this legal?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Yes, it can be a legal requirement enforced through court action and reported to
a credit reporting agency, if you signed an agreement with the hospital, which is
usually required for patients, allowing the hospital to do so. Medical service
businesses tend to be very strict in their financial requirements.
Yes, it's legal.
Unfortunately it is legal. However, as long as you pay the hospital something and they accept your payment, the collection office can not get a dime from you.