Collection Agency Trying To Collect 10 Year Old Bill
My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: North Carolina
My Mother received a letter (in March 2008) from a collection agency stating that she owed $861.67. She had no idea what this bill was for. The letter stated she had to dispute the debt within 30 days of their letter is writing. My Mother did that and also requested all paperwork & previous collection efforts.
When she received the paperwork (from the current collection agency) it was for procedures that she had in December 1997 and January 1998 at an area hospital. Looking over the paperwork it looks like the hospital tried to contact her one time in January 2000 (they say they left a message on the answer machine). And they also have the wrong street number.
When the procedures were done she had insurance.
From the paperwork the hospital sold the a/r to one collection agency & that collection agency has sent it to the current one.
Prior to the letter stating she owed 861.67, she had never received any bills or calls from the hospital, or any collection agency.
What I am asking is it legal for them to demand money for hospital bills that are 10 years old?
Re: Collection Agency Trying To Collect 10 Year Old Bill
They can try to collect & even sue in court no matter how old the debt is. However; if your mother would be sued for the debt, she can use the SOL for collection has elapsed as her defense (3 years for med. debt NC). I'm not sure (though you never know) that they will sue for that small of amount. Sometimes it's not worth their time & money to sue.
Re: Collection Agency Trying To Collect 10 Year Old Bill
She no longer has the insurance company that she was using at the time of medical tests. Do you think that she should try to contact the hospital to see if she can get any original paperwork or information from them?
You would think if she still owed the hospital money that they would have tried to get the money from her when she was admitted there four years ago for another procedure.
Re: Collection Agency Trying To Collect 10 Year Old Bill
She can try but I'm not sure what info & paperwork the hosp. might still have particularly since they sold the debt to a coll. agcy.