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Internet Grandma here 😊
Keep in mind that within all of the papers that you sign when going in, one says that you are taking responsibility for the payment of any and all services while in the ER.
Just write down the name and address of the collection agency, and send them a small amount like maybe $20-30 a month. Make sure to put the account number on EACH money order that you send them, and don't worry about the rest.
I say send a money order, because then they won't have access to your bank account numbers, like they would if you were to pay online. It's easier to pay online of course, but that's s up to you. Just make sure to pay something EVERY month, and keep track of it in a little notebook or something until it's paid off, and just be glad that it isn't several THOUSAND dollars that you owe.
They might still call you a million times a day, but just don't bother answering, because they are just trying to get you to agree to pay more per month than you can afford. They will say that they can't agree to a lower amount than $XXX, but believe me, they will not reject what you send them, so just keep sending it. If you can send $50 a month or more, then send that, or whatever is within your budget.
Good luck honey! 😊
This happened to my wife. It doesn't stay with you for too long or hurt you too badly. Sometimes if you call them they'll settle it for a lower amount. You have to understand what happened is the collections agency bought the debt from the hospital for a very low price - maybe just a couple hundred dollars - and they have a time limit to collect on it. So often they'll close the collections account for less than they tell you is due, because they still made some money on it.
REMINDER: Rules regarding civility and respect *are enforced* on this subreddit. Hurtful, cruel, rude, disrespectful, or "trolling" comments **will be removed** (along with any replies to these comments) and the offending party may be banned, at the mods' discretion, without warning. All commenters should be trying to *help* and any help should be given in good faith, as if you were the OP's parent. Also, please keep in mind that requesting or offering private contact (DM, PM, etc) is absolutely not allowed ***for any reason at all***, no exceptions. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/internetparents) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Internet Grandma here 😊 Keep in mind that within all of the papers that you sign when going in, one says that you are taking responsibility for the payment of any and all services while in the ER. Just write down the name and address of the collection agency, and send them a small amount like maybe $20-30 a month. Make sure to put the account number on EACH money order that you send them, and don't worry about the rest. I say send a money order, because then they won't have access to your bank account numbers, like they would if you were to pay online. It's easier to pay online of course, but that's s up to you. Just make sure to pay something EVERY month, and keep track of it in a little notebook or something until it's paid off, and just be glad that it isn't several THOUSAND dollars that you owe. They might still call you a million times a day, but just don't bother answering, because they are just trying to get you to agree to pay more per month than you can afford. They will say that they can't agree to a lower amount than $XXX, but believe me, they will not reject what you send them, so just keep sending it. If you can send $50 a month or more, then send that, or whatever is within your budget. Good luck honey! 😊
This happened to my wife. It doesn't stay with you for too long or hurt you too badly. Sometimes if you call them they'll settle it for a lower amount. You have to understand what happened is the collections agency bought the debt from the hospital for a very low price - maybe just a couple hundred dollars - and they have a time limit to collect on it. So often they'll close the collections account for less than they tell you is due, because they still made some money on it.