Expert: Ontrack Financial Group llc - 10/10/2007

Question
THE HOSPITAL I HAVE A BILL WITH SAYS THAT THEY WILL ONLY TAKE PAYMENTS FOR ONE YEAR, OR SET ME UP ON LOW INTEREST PAYMENTS, FINANCIAL AID, WELL I KNOW FINANCIAL AID IS OUT BECAUSE I DON'T QUALIFY OWN TO MUCH REAL ESTATE, I HAVE JUST ABOUT MAXED OUT MY CREDIT CARDS AND DON'T WANT TO DO THAT EITHER I MOST DEFINATELY CAN'T AFFORD 12 MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON $6,000.  NOW WHAT THE QUESTION IS CAN I JUST TELL THEM I AM GOING TO PAY $50.00 PER MONTH UNTIL PAID AND GET AWAY WITH THAT LEGALLY, WHETHER IT MEETS THEIR DESIRES OR NOT WITHOUT GETTING INTO TROUBLE. MY WIFE HAD TO HAVE HER GALLBLADDER REMOVED AND A HERNIA REPAIRED ALL MEDICALLY NECCESSARY THEY WERE NOT ELECTIVES. I HAVE HEARD AS LONG AS THE SERVICE IS NECCESSARY THEY HAVE TO ACCEPT THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS. I LIVE IN VIRGINIA I KNOW THAT EACH STATE HAS DIFFERENT LAWS.  I AM ON DISABILITY I GET $1144. PER MONTH MY WIFE HAS FIBROMYALGIA AND WORKS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AT $8.00 PER HOUR USUALLY 32 TO 40 HOURS PER WEEK MOST OF MY CHECK PAYS BILLS, HERS WE LIVE ON. WHAT DO YOU THINK.

THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS SUBJECT, IF YOU NEED MORE INFOR LET ME KNOW.

GARY DUPRIEST  

Answer
Gary,

First get a itimized statement from the hospital.  Make sure you are not paying for "extras".  Second it sounds like your talking to a bill collector, not someone from the hospital.  If that is the case try to work out a settlement.  If that doesn't work write a letter asking them to stop communication and send in what you can afford.  

If you own real estate, the hospital can attach a lien on the property.

Good Luck

Eddie