Medical bills with no insurance?

I went to the emergency room after having pain in my side for a week a few months ago. They did standard tests, including CAT scan, and they said they didn’t find anything serious. A week later I received a bill for over 5 thousand dollars. I sent them what they requested for a payment plan (bank statements, etc). I am willing to repay this debt but the problem is I have no medical insurance and I am a full time graduate student. I plan to graduate in june of 08 and hope to get a job soon afterwards. I am living off of a student loan but any money I have left over every month I would like to save for an emergency (car repairs, dental bills, etc) that may come up. My question is, do you think the hospital would allow me a moratorium (suspension of payments) until I graduate and secure a job (which would be in june of 08)? I am just afraid that if I can’t pay them now they will sue me or take me to court.

Medical bills with no insurance?
They may still report you to a credit bureau, but if you are attempting to make monthly payments (even if they are small), you can at least prove that you are trying to pay. Let them know your situation, see how small of an amount they will allow you to pay, and take it from there. At least try to send $5.00. It won't stop the calls from them, but I don't think they can turn you over to collections as long as you are paying them...but I don't know that for sure.





Good luck!
Reply:Offer 125% of what medicare would have paid them and not a penny more. They have legal issues if do the proper paperwork and they try to charge more. Usual bills for uninsured are 300-400% of what they charge the insurance companies for the same service. www.hospitalvictims.org Report It

Reply:Claim to be an illegal immigrant and your bill will go away!


Seriously, as long as you make an attempt, and pay a set amount EACH and EVERY month they have to accept it, not like it, but as long as you don't miss a payment they have to work with you, even if your payment is as little as $50 a month
Reply:If you make payments even if they are small they will not do anything. Also, if the account is not paid in full by the time you get your income tax return, you can offer them a lump sum, paid in cash and they will more than likely take that as a settlement and write off the rest. Do like you said, fill out the charity papers and try to go that route. Remember be nice and try to show sincerity when you talk to a rep.





Good luck!
Reply:Unbelievable. You're obviously not in the UK where we get medical treatment for FREE.