Your Credit Rating & Medical Debt

READER QUESTION

Do unpaid medical bills that have been turned over to collections harm your credit score?

Read full question
Bills.com Resident Expert
Dec 12, 2011
BILL'S ANSWER

Yes, if the debt is already with a collection agency, it invariably, will always report the delinquent status of the debt to the credit reporting agencies. Initially, the doctor or the hospital will try to collect on the debt, and if they are not successful, they will most likely turn over the collection efforts to an external collection agency. The recourse that they have are same as any other unsecured debt.

If you are having a problem with the debt, then you should try to work out a payment arrangement with them. You will have to explain your financial situation to them and state the reason as to why you are unable to make the payments right now. In most cases, they will agree to some sort of a payment arrangement.

There are still other options available to assist consumers struggling with medical bills. The most common are debt consolidation, consumer credit counseling, and debt settlement. Bills.com offers a wealth of information about various debt relief options, available on the Debt Help, Tips and Information page.

I wish you the best of luck in resolving your medical bills, and hope that the information I have provided helps you Find. Learn. Save.

Best,

Bill

Bills.com

Comments (2)


Avatar
Bills.com
January 23, 2009
They could possibly get that information from your insurance company.
Avatar
Maria .
January 23, 2009
what if they do not have your Social Security number, how can they report you to the Credit Bureaus????
Thanks for your feedback!
 
Thank you for subscribing!