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What Happens If a Medical Bill Goes to Collections?

Dazonn Assist

What Happens If a Medical Bill Goes to Collections?

Introduction:

Millions of Americans find themselves grappling with medical bills, even when they have health insurance. Unfortunately, unpaid medical bills can sometimes end up in collections, leading to stress and financial strain. In this blog post, we’ll explore what happens when your medical bill goes to collections and discuss your rights and options.

Understanding the Situation

When a medical bill goes to collections, it means that your healthcare provider has sent the debt to a collection agency. This can happen even if you’re making payments or have made late payments. Once the debt is in collections, the agency will typically reach out to you. If you don’t pay within a certain timeframe, they may take legal actions such as filing a lawsuit, garnishing your wages, or placing a lien on your home.

Your Rights Under Federal Laws

As someone with medical debt in collections, you have specific rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). These laws limit how debt collectors can contact you. For instance, they cannot use unfair or threatening tactics to get you to pay. They also cannot report an unpaid debt to credit bureaus without first attempting to reach you. Knowing your rights empowers you to navigate this challenging situation.

Protecting Your Credit Score

Medical bills in collections can indeed impact your credit score, but you do have some protections. The credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) must wait at least 12 months before adding medical debt to your credit report. This grace period allows you time to resolve the debt before it adversely affects your credit score. Starting in January 2023, the credit bureaus will stop adding medical debt less than $500 to credit reports. However, once reported, unpaid medical debt remains on your credit report for up to 7 years, similar to other types of debt.

Taking Action

If your medical bill goes to collections, consider the following steps:

Verify and Negotiate: You have the right to verify or negotiate the debt. If you were billed incorrectly or believe the charges are unfair, dispute them promptly.
Act Swiftly: Acting as soon as possible can prevent the debt from significantly impacting your credit report. Engage with the collection agency and explore payment options.
Avoid Lawsuits: Working with the collection agency may help you avoid a lawsuit. Open communication and cooperation can lead to better outcomes.

Conclusion:

Facing medical debt in collections is undoubtedly stressful, but understanding your rights and taking proactive steps can make a difference. Remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging financial terrain.

Dazonn Assist

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