Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in North Carolina
I live in North Carolina. I do not have medical insurance. I have been hospitalized for a week and have incurred several thousand dollars in medical bills. I am married. My husband is the only provider. We do want to pay our bill and stucture a payment plan. What are our legal obligations? Do we have to make the payments the hospital demands, or can we make payments we can afford. Can they send us to a bill collector if we make smaller payments than they determine we should make?
2 Answers from Attorneys
If you are married, then your husband is going to be responsible for your debts if you do not pay. Talk to the billing office or see if there is a social worker or patient advocate person who can intercede and help you get something manageble worked out in light of your circumstances. Isn't the hospital aware of the fact that you don't have insurance?
However, hospitals are not banks. Will you and your husband qualify for a loan that you can repay on more favorable terms? If not, then start saving your money NOW. The hospital can send you to a debt collector. After the hospital turns you over to the debt collector, you can use the funds to hopefully negotiate a better settlement.
If your hospital qualifies as a "public hospital" they have the option of suing you and garnishing your wages quickly after they get a judgment. They can do this even after they use a debt collector. It's best to work something out if you have a hospital bill with one that qualifies as a "public hospital".
Related Questions & Answers
-
Can they take property that belongs to me and my spouse Asked 4/14/11, 3:09 pm in United States North Carolina Credit, Debt and Collections Law
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
