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My understanding is that the statute of limitations in CO for medical debt is 6 years - which is coming up in less than 3 months.
No, that's not correct.

The statute of limitations applies to the filing of a lawsuit.

A creditor could conceivably continue dunning you for the debt for the rest of your life but just isn't likely to win a lawsuit after the 6 years are up unless you ignore the lawsuit and the creditor gets a default judgment. That can happen because the statute of limitations has to be raised as an affirmative defense. If it isn't raised, the creditor can theoretically win the lawsuit at any time after the six years are up.

Quote Quoting XakEp
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My question is if I blow them off and it goes to collections after Dec 10th 2013, what options does the hospital and/or debt collector have?
I'm sure they have lots of options. None of them pleasant.

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Can they ding my credit over this?
Yes.

But it would only remain on your credit report for the balance of 7 years from the date of default which could, theoretically, be 7 years from now. If they never sent you the bill then it was never in default until now.

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Still attempt to collect the debt?
Yes.

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Harass me?
It's called "dunning" and it's perfectly legal.

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Take me to court?
Yes.

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Take out a lein against me if it goes past 6 years?
They would have to win a lawsuit and get a judgment. Then the judgment can be recorded and become a lien for the life of the judgment.

My advice:

Check your records quickly. If you owe it, pay it. If you already paid it, provide appropriate documentation within the 30 days that it's on hold.

Trust me, you'll be a lot less happy later if you try to screw them out of the money.