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Information on Help with Hospital Bills - The Bills.com Blog
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Information on Help with Hospital Bills
Thursday, Feb 19, 2009
Question: I have been temporarily laid off and called a hospital that I have been making regular payments to in order to make new payment arrangements with them. I was sent a lengthy form which I was told I must fill out in order to get any kind of extension or refinancing at all, even temporarily. These forms ask for very personal info, even my bank acct. number! I was shocked. Can they legally require this information from me? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Answer: The laws governing hospital billing and payments vary greatly between states, counties, and cities, and may apply differently depending on whether it is a private or public hospital, as well as other factors. To find out the specifics regarding the legality of the hospital’s requests, you would need to consult with a qualified attorney with knowledge of pertaining laws in the hospital's jurisdiction.That said, many hospitals have a financial
counselor/financial assistance office where you can meet with someone face-to-face or over the telephone to discuss your situation. You should feel free to ask them why they request specific information and if they will accept alternatives. You might want to keep in mind that some hospitals allow their financial assistance office a certain degree of latitude in evaluating hardship cases, so engaging them in a polite and courteous manner may help you as you negotiate your case.
When having problems regarding medical bills, the American Academy of Family Physicians
When having problems regarding medical bills, the American Academy of Family Physicians
recommends the following:
o Notify the appropriate offices quickly.
o Keep in touch with your creditors.
o Record the names and phone numbers of who you are dealing with.
o Document the date, time, and results of your phone calls.
o Pay something - even a small amount - on each bill each month as a gesture of good faith.
I would also encourage you to download our free Budget Personal Finance Budget Guide available at http://www.bills.com/guide/. It may help you plan your money management as you navigate the road ahead.
Good Luck,
Bill
www.bills.com/blog/
o Notify the appropriate offices quickly.
o Keep in touch with your creditors.
o Record the names and phone numbers of who you are dealing with.
o Document the date, time, and results of your phone calls.
o Pay something - even a small amount - on each bill each month as a gesture of good faith.
I would also encourage you to download our free Budget Personal Finance Budget Guide available at http://www.bills.com/guide/. It may help you plan your money management as you navigate the road ahead.
Good Luck,
Bill
www.bills.com/blog/
Also, make sure to get a free financial health check-up with Bills IQ!
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1. Posted by JoEllyn Corsaro on Wednesday 7th October 2009 15:57
Can a hospital refer a collection account to the Treasury Tax Collector for collection of the debt? I reside in California (Los Angeles County).
2. Posted by Bill on Thursday 8th October 2009 08:54
The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector collects taxes from residents in Los Angeles County. Unless you have not paid your taxes, I cannot conceive of any scenario where you would be in contact with the county tax collector, and certainly not for the collection of a private debt. I urge you learn more about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which governs the rules that debt collectors must follow. See the Federal Trade Commission's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Links page for more information.
3. Posted by Jolena on Tuesday 20th October 2009 05:15
No Medical Insurance and I had a heart attack and was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days. I received my doctor and hospital bill and ambulance bill...the total amount was $67.000.00 dollars. I called and tried to set up a monthly fee schedule with each one..That I could afford..and they said no you must pay as follows Hospital $3000.00 a month Doctor $2000.00 a month Which equals $5000.00 a month. and the Ambulance wants me to pay them with in 90 days.($7000.00 pay in full in 90 days.) I live on my IRA and other retirement funds I have no other income. I am not old enough for Social Security or Medicare. They said they would set up (as stated above)as my monthly payment fee and charge me 8.5 % to on the monthly balance each month until I am paid up. I live on my retirment funds of $1.500.00 a month. I need all my retirment funds to live on until I die. Can they force me to withdraw all my funds to pay them...If I do that ..what will I live on when all that is gone.?? I was told sell "your house or take a loan out or we will see you in court and take you house. I offer to pay them something every month. They say no. Pay us what you owe or we will see you in court. What should I do.? I was told that I had to pay
4. Posted by Bill on Tuesday 20th October 2009 08:43
Debt related to medical services is unsecured. In the eyes of the law, medical debt is no different than a credit card debt, or a deficiency balance from a repossession, or a payday loan. Therefore, I want you to read two of my recent answers to other readers who had similar questions regarding unsecured debt. First, read "What Are My Debt Consolidation Options?." The point of this article is to show you what your options are, and the positives and negatives of each. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to debt, and you need to pick the option that is best for you. Second, read "Collections Advice." This will help you understand your rights as a consumer. Just because you are in debt does not mean you lost your rights. As you mentioned, you have a $67,000 problem. Take some time to understand your rights and options. One last thought -- do not believe legal advice offered by debt collectors. The legal advice many debt collectors offer is usually incomplete or wrong, and is always self-serving.