Expert: Apex Credit Services, LLC - 1/23/2008

Question
In November 2006 I was seen in a hospital emergency dept for abdominal pain. I had quit my job a few months earlier and was waiting to start a new job....and of course, I had just cancelled my COBRA coverage as it had gotten too expensive. I had no invasive procedures perfomed, but after 5 hours in the Emergency Room, I emerged with a $12,000 bill. I spoke to the Patient Acct/Billing Dept and explained that I was unemployed and uninsured, but I understood that my treatment was my responsibility, was there anything they could do to help? I was told that there was a "charity" program, but they never sent me the paperwork despite several conversations. I just checked my credit report yesterday and the hospital has sold my debt to NCO Financial. I have not received any bills from NCO. I do get several phone calls a day, but they are all automated messages left on my voicemail. I worked in an ER for several years, and I know that I can have my wages garnished for this debt. The thought of paying 25% of my income (until $12000 is paid off) is terrifying to me. I can barely live on my income as it is. I would like to start paying off this debt, but I don't even have an address to send my payment to, and the amount I can afford each month is just a drop in the bucket. I'm afraid to even contact them. What would you suggest? Thank you so much.

Answer
Julie:

   We have an arrangement with NCO Financial and their many subsidaries wherein we negate the underlying debt and delete the account tradeline from your credit reports.  However, out of proprietary and confidentiality concerns, we cannot disclose how we go about this process.

   You would need to contact us to discuss this further.

           Apex Credit Services, LLC