Expert: Chris Ebert - 3/10/2011

Question
We recently received a medical bill, with services dates from April  and May of 2007. This is the first bill we have received. It states that they are prepared to send it to collections. I called, said that it was the first bill we had received, and the person claimed they have sent them to us all through the years.
How do we prove a negative? Can they come after us four years later?

Thanks.

Answer
Joe,

They should get the bills to you quicker than 3 years. They have up to 4 years to sue you in Texas and California. They can post negative information on your credit report for up to 7 years later. They should not be charging interest or penalties on the invoices.

If you received the services why not just pay the bill and look at it as a 3 to 4 year interest free loan?

Chris