How to Deal With a Collection Agency Regarding a Hospital Bill

A hospital bill can put you in debt fast. If your health insurance doesn't cover it all, or if you don't have insurance, you can be facing an enormous bill that you have no idea how to pay. If your hospital bill goes to a collection agency, don't panic. Follow some logical steps to work with the collection agency in a fair and reasonable way, and get the bill paid,.

Instructions

1

Respond to calls from the collection agency. The debt won't go away by you ignoring it. If your account has gone to a collection agency, you've probably already tried that tactic with the hospital, since most of them will work with you if you let them know your situation.

2

Make notes. Document each conversation with the collection agency in writing. Get the name of the person you're talking with at the collection agency. Note the date and time. Keep copies of any correspondence.

3

Play fair. Don't get angry with the collections agency representatives. They are only doing their jobs. Try to remain calm and work out a solution that works for everyone involved.

4

Expect courtesy from a collections agency. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits collection agencies from using abusive collection practices that harass you or invade your privacy. The FDCPA is federal legislation, but about half of the states also have their own laws to protect citizens from unfair collection tactics. If you feel the agency is using abusive tactics with you, contact your state attorney general's office.

5

Negotiate a payment plan. Many hospitals give collection agencies the authority to work out a payment plan. Ask the collection agency to put the agreement in writing and send a copy to you.

6

Pay the collection agency, not the hospital, unless the agency tell you to do so. The collection agency accepts the payment and keeps a portion of it as part of its agreement with the hospital.

7

Ask about credit reports. If your hospital debt has been reported to a credit bureau, you can ask for it to be removed or at least adjusted when you take care of the debt.