If a hospital was legally inclined to forgive your debt but still sold it, can I use financial aid through the debt collector?

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

I’ll be frank, I make less than $19k a year. In August of last year I had my appendix removed. Despite it being emergency surgery that should have been covered by my insurance, the hospital still charged me $1400, an amount I can’t afford to pay when I’m lucky to make $2000 a month. Hospitals have financial aid offices that, when given proof of this lack of income, forgive your debt. I gave this hospital my application in December after my first one was denied for “insufficient documentation” because I didn’t include my bank statements on top of my lease agreement and last 6 months of pay stubs. If the hospital has already sold it, is the debt collector inclined to forgive it under the same rules?

[Oliverlogan263]

Yeah girl, that's a really tough situation. Medical bills are no joke, especially when your income is so low already. Here's what I would try:

Even though the hospital sold the debt, the collector is still bound by the same financial assistance policies the hospital had. So you should be able to apply for charity care/forgiveness with them too.

I'd get all your financial docs in order - pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements - anything to prove your income. Then call the collector and ask to fill out an application for financial assistance. Be polite but firm that your income qualifies you.

If they deny it, ask them what income guidelines they use to determine eligibility. Double check it's the same as the hospital's policy was. Threaten to report them to the state AG if it's not.

You could also try negotiating a payment plan, like $50/month until it's paid. As long as you keep up with the plan they may not pursue further action.

Worst case, you can still dispute the debt validity since the insurance should've covered it. Don't let them bully you sis! Stand your ground and keep fighting for what's right. You got this! Hope it works out.

[HateyouxD]

Nope, you HAVEA TO PAY the debt collector. If you don't pay bill collector it goes back to hospital I believe. Also why not do a pay as you go type thing where you pay the bill down? You can do $30 a month or so

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

I didn’t even make $1200 this month and I’ve already spent more than that on necessities. I cannot afford to pay a $1400 bill

[HateyouxD]

You can for $25 per month

[CaptainSmartass]

If you don't pay the debt collectors, they can take you to court or even send the bailiffs round to seize your assets.

Simples...