Expert: Crusader - 2/12/2004

Question
Thank you for a fast response.  I live in New York.  I appreciate your help.  

Alex M.

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Followup To
Question -
Hello Crusader,

I have problem with some high medical bills.  The hospital refuses to provide a detailed bill and I refuse blindly pay the whole balance.  They have given me a month before they go to a collection agency.  I was told that overdue medicals bills do not affect credit rating in any way.  Is this true?  What will happen if I refuse to pay?  

Thank you for your time.
Alex M.


Answer -
You must be provided with an itemized bill under the Fair Credit Act (or whatever it is called).

Let me know what state this is in and I can give you resources where to file complaints.  Tell the hospital you are filing complaints with state and federal agencies if they do not cooperate with you immediately!

If they send the balance to a collection agency, it WILL affect your credit rating because that agency will turn the debt info pver to a credit reporting bureau!

Answer
Dear Alex,

These resources should be useful to you:

Federal Trade Commission (Fair Debt Collection)
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fdc.htm

New York State Consumer Protection Board
http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/

Better Business Bureau
http://www.bbb.org/bbbcomplaints/Welcome.asp

Consumer Action Handbook
http://www.consumeraction.gov/

Good luck and let me know if you need additional resources!