Hospital Refuses to Be Reasonable
My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: AL
I had emergency surgery. I've arranged to make reasonable payments for all the doctors, labs, etc. When I tried to do the same with the hospital, they would not be reasonable. They either want half in cash, a lump sum payment of $16,000+, or payments of $1800 a month. Neither of which I can do. I don't have a job, and my husband is not getting to work that much. Bad economy, and work is slow right now. I talked to the patient advocate, the financial assistance office and the billing office of the hospital. They all say that is their best offer and there's nothing else they or I can do. It will be going to collections soon, then I suppose I'll get sued. What else can I do? I've exhausted all my options at this point. Btw, I talked to a bankruptcy lawyer, who advised me not to pay. How long will it take to go to court?
Re: Hospital Refuses to Be Reasonable
well, they do not have to accept anything less than payment in full. If you cannot come to an agreement of payment arrangements, you are probably correct about them sending it to collections and possibly suing you.
How long it will take to go to court is totally up to the hospital. It won't go to court until they file a suit and when they might do that is something only they know.
If you don't have the money, there really isn't much you can do about paying it. It appears you are looking into BK. Depending on the rest of your financial situation, that may be your best option.
Re: Hospital Refuses to Be Reasonable
It's a lot more complicated than that. The first thing I did was went to see a bankruptcy lawyer. Unfortunately, that's not an option at the moment. It may end up being the solution, but for now, it's not.