Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Michigan
Hospital Bill Debt and Collections
Last August of '06 I was hospitalized for 2 weeks and the bill came out to over $20,000. After insurance paid their part I owe $4,100. I have made payments on this account and I have repeatedly called and talked to financial billing at the hospital because of another bill from the same time with a bigger balance, after about a dozen calls they finally contacted the insurance company and it seems they never billed the insurance. The last bill I got from the hospital was in April and the hospital says they sent me to collections in May. When I called and talked to someone from the hospital about the other bill I made (or thought there was) arrangements made to make monthly payments on this $4100. bill. I got a call a few days ago saying that I if don't pay $1,000.00 (good faith) payment, so the collections can set it up to be able to make $50. monthly payments on this bill, they were going to sue me for the money. He asked if I was working and I told him no but my husband was, he said I was lucky to have a steady income because a lot of people he deals with are on SSI or homeless. He made threats that my husbands wages could be garnished and things taken away. If I don't get this straighten out now. I don't know what I should do.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Hospital Bill Debt and Collections
You may have a lawsuit against the collector for a FDCPA violation which could mean money for you. Please contact me for more information at 248.679.1552 for more information.
Rochelle Guznack
Re: Hospital Bill Debt and Collections
From what it sounds like, you had maedical treatment not your husband. Unless your husband signed something guaranteeing to pay your bill he is not liable for and they will not be able to garnish his wages.
Re: Hospital Bill Debt and Collections
I am assuming it is a collection agency that is requesting the $1,000.00 payment and not the hospital. Collection agencies won't return your payments, so pay what you can. Make sure you keep copious records to prove what payments you have made. Also, you may want to see if the hospital has a grant that would help you with your bill. Many hospitals do have these grants or can provide financial assistance. You may want to review your debts as well to see if a bankruptcy action may be appropriate to discharge that debt.
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