Does anyone know what the law is concerning medical bills??? I had dd in October. I was hospitalized 3 times before she actually came for preterm labor. Outside of insurance, I still have 3 bills totalling about 1500$. My hospital wanted the money before I was released. I told them I didn't have it. They have turned me over to a collection agency. The hospital will not even set up payment plans. It's all or none. A coworker told me that medical expenses do not go against your credit, so just pay them out whenever you can. I've never delt with anything like this as my two ds's were born at the hospital across town. I paid on their births for at least a year. Anyone have advice or similar situation? This is in Texas.

Most hospitals are willing to take payments. I agree, I'd just send them something each month and see what happens if they're unwilling to negotiate with you.

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I'm a legal asst. for a local credit bureau...Medical bills do go on your credit report.Now that you have been turned over for collections,you can most likely set up payment arrangements with them.If you have any questions for me,you can pm me..

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Not when they are with the hospital - but once they go to a collection agency they can Be reported to the Credit Beureu.

Our hospital Gives you 30 days to call to Arrange a Payment plan- After that it goes to the Collection Agency.
Once its at the collection agency- the Hospital can't work out payment plans.
Also From my experience the hospital tells you what you have to pay! If you don't Pay - they send it to Collections.

First I would talk to the head person in the business office. I think it's ridiculous that they are unwilling to set up a payment plan with you. Who has that much money laying around especially after having a baby? I thought hospitals couldn't turn you in to collections as long as you send them some money each month.

my ds's each cost out of pocket about $3000. I just sent this hospital $50 - $100 a month until it was paid off. I never got a complaint. I never got a bad letter, just a bill each month. The hospital I had to go to this time due to the dr. would only do a 90 day payment plan. After that, they wanted me to sign up for a medical loan. I couldn't do the first and wasn't going to do the 2nd. A coworker who owes this same hospital told me to just wait until it goes to collections and make a deal with them for a one time settlement. I haven't been contacted yet. I didn't think hospitals could put it against your credit.

Most hospitals are fine with receiving payments every month but not all, alot are struggling with their own finances now and its turning into a free for all. I had the exact same situation. After my dd was born in may she was hospitalized for other reasons. Leaving us with $3000 in medical bills at different hospitals. One was fine with receiving money while apparently the other was not. I was sending them $100 a month and they still sent me to collections since it was not considered and "approved" payment plan. I had to work out a payment plan with the agency and am now paying $87 a month. I laughed out right at them since I was paying more on my own. If the want it to take longer to get their money by sending me to collections then have it their way. It was already on my report now anyhow. So my advice would be to talk with the collection agency since they have your account now and they can set up a payment plan.
As to the not sending you to collections if you are making a payment, well that has changed. Unless you contact them directly and are approved for a payment plan they can do as they wish. And yes it will go on your report, a debt is a debt is a debt. The majority of my family and I work in a hospital. Just keep in mind that they cannot turn you away for service should you go to the hospital because of an owed bill it is illegal. However a privately owned physicians office can, keyword privately owned.

I am not sure about the actual law but I do know the do go on your credit however when a company runs you credit they usually overlook hospital bills. My dh and my father both worked/ works in dealerships for a very long time and the general rule of thumb is to look at all the other bad marks on the report and just overlook medical charges. i hope this helps. i also agree as long as you send them something the hospitals are usually happy.

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- Chantelle

Mommy to Roly (2000) and Elijah (2005) and Mikayla (2009)

the bank told us that they are on the credit report, but they won't use them against you!

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Mary
mom to Jacob 6 yrs. old (first grader!!)
Nathan 5 yrs. old (registered for kindergarten!!)
wife to Matt for 7 yrs.

Does it affect your credit score which in turn affects which interest rate you get for loans?