Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Illinois

Can you tell me if there is any law in Illinois, that prohibits a physician or hospital turning one in to a collection agency, if they are faithfully making payments every month? This is the situation: I had 2 proceedures done, on two separate occaisions. These were done less than 6 months ago. I am paying $100.00 a month between the two accounts, since December 2009. I was recently callled from the accounting department in this hospital, telling me I had to pay at least $200.00 a month or I would go to collections. My husband has lung cancer, and we have other medical bills to pay besides them. When I explained that, all they kept repeating was " it's our policy" I do pay extra when I can. I have good credit, and don't want to go to collection. What can I do, short of taking a loan for less than $1700.00? No wonder people don't pay, when you are told the payment is'nt good enough! Thank you


Asked on 3/25/10, 6:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

To answer your question, no, there is no such law. Perhaps there should be. It is shameful that you are trying in good faith to pay this bill, and they still want to strong arm you into paying more. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to let your state and federal legislators know what you are going through with this situation.

If they do allow a collection agency to attempt to collect the debt, the collection agency would need to comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Read up on the Act--if they slip up it could be advantageous for you. If they end up suing you, do not ignore it, and go to every hearing. The burden to prove you owe the money is on them.

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Answered on 3/31/10, 6:20 am


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