What Can They Do To Me If I Cannot Pay My Medical Bills?

Medical bills can be among the most substantial charges you'll ever face -- particularly if you find yourself without insurance, or if your insurance won't fully cover treatment. With your regular household and family expenses, you may even find yourself unable to pay your medical bills. That can be a scary prospect. If you're unable to pay your medical bills, it may help to know what might happen, and what your options are.

Collections

Most hospitals and health care institutions will continue to send you medical bills, and call you regarding past-due bills, for a number of months. If you don't make payment arrangements, you could find your past-due bills in collections. The hospital or doctor's office may sell your account to a debt collection agency that may continue to pursue you for payment, and may also report your delinquent account to the credit bureaus. A collection account that shows up on your credit report can lower your credit score -- and your chances of obtaining new credit in the future.

Lawsuit

According to the Debt Consolidation Union website, some hospitals may not be as willing to sue you for unpaid debt as other creditors -- but it does happen. You may receive a summons to appear in court and defend your case. If you can't show just cause for nonpayment, the hospital or doctor's office may receive a judgment against you. If you can prove to the court that you don't have the ability to pay, you may receive a deferred judgment until you're able to pay. A judgment allows a creditor to garnish your wages, or place a lien on your personal property, to secure payment.

Public Assistance

If you're truly unable to pay your medical bills, you might be eligible for public assistance in your state. For example, the Hospital Debt Justice website advises that in the state of Connecticut, you may be eligible to apply for free care programs if you're not able to meet your financial obligations. You may also be able to apply for assistance through Medicaid, or private charitable organizations in your area.

Payment Plans

If all else fails, contact the hospital or doctor's office, and try to arrange a payment schedule that you can afford. Some institutions are willing to work with patients, as long as some sort of payment is being made on a regular basis. You may even find the hospital is willing to forgive a portion of your debt, if you can show evidence of financial hardship.