Expert: Ray A Miller - 10/26/2011

Question
Hello Mr. Miller,

I live in Idaho,

Earlier tonight my husband and I were served with a debt collections summons stating that I owe for multiple imaging services, doctors services, and a visit to a whole other hospital totaling almost $6000, it has both our names on it and my maiden name as well. At the time of some of these services I was not married.

To help with things I should tell you that I have had severe asthma since birth. I am usually in and out of the hospital quite often, hense the bills. I used to be on a charity provided through the hospital but after my daughter was born 2 years ago they took me off. I am not able to get an insurance that I can afford the premium on since I have a pre existing condition. My husband works full time and I am a stay at home mom due to my illness. My husband makes 1400 a month after taxes and with our $600 rent, $ 300 car payment,$ 150 for my meds and a hundred and 50 for utilities we don't have any room to spend anything left on anything else other than necessities. What can I do? My husband just got over a judgement ending in a wage garnishment which hurt us severely causing me to forfeit my medications ending me up in the hospital hense the collection now.

We do not have the money to hire a lawyer or even nearly pay the total to the collection company. The summons says that I/We have 20 days to say something to the courts, but I have no idea what to say or how to come to a resolve that works for both parties and I most defiantly do not want my husband to have another garnishment put upon his wages, we would lose everything.

Also, with the hospital part I was wondering If there was anyway I could single that one out to work with them or come to an agreement because I was appalled with their services. I went in not being able to breathe, they made me wait with no one even there to be treated then they came in with a diagnosis that I have asthma! Duh! I have known that since shortly after birth.

I am sorry to put so much, I am just terrified, my family cannot go through another judgement against us or we will undoubtedly lose where we live and my health with diminish.

Thank you,

Samantha

Answer
Throw yourself on the mercy of the hospital.  Send them a letter asking them to consider this account for charity.  Include a detailed budget showing them why you can not pay this bill.  If this does not work, your county should have some kind of indigent fund that can help you.  If none of this works out and they indeed get a judgement, they will not take your house however, I would contact Legal Aid with this information and let them guide you through it.  I sincerely wish you well with this.