Paying bills in timely manner12/29/2023 ![]() Instead, you have the right to dispute the information. Debt collectors may be hoping that you will simply pay the bill without disputing it. See more about your debt collection rights and protections Push back against coercive credit reportingĭebt collectors are not permitted to report a medical bill to the credit reporting companies without trying to collect the debt from you first. If you are concerned that a debt collector’s practices violate your rights, you can take action to enforce your rights. They can’t call you around the clock, and you have the right to tell them to stop contacting you. However, they must comply with the laws that apply to debt collection, like avoiding harassing or abusive calls, and following requirements when they report the debt to consumer reporting companies. They may sue you to recover the money-and if they win the lawsuit, they could garnish your wages or place a lien on your home. If the medical bill is yours, it is accurate, and you owe the money, then debt collectors can contact you to try to collect it. You have the right to ask a debt collector to verify that you owe the debt and that it is yours. They can’t contact you about debt that isn’t yours or that you don’t owe. Know the limits on debt collectors contacting youĭebt collectors can contact you only about valid debts that you owe. Contact your state or local social services to see if more help is available. Nonprofit hospitals are required by law to offer financial assistance programs, and many other providers are willing to work out payment arrangements. If you’re not able to afford the bill, talk to the medical care provider. Afterward, if the billed amount is $400 or more above the estimate, you may be able to dispute the charges through the patient-provider dispute resolution process. If you don’t have health insurance or if you pay for care without using your health insurance, your provider must give you a “good faith” estimate of how much your care will cost, before you get care. For example, you should not receive unexpected bills for emergency services received from a health care provider or facility that you didn’t know was out-of-network until you were billed. Ask debt collectors to verify the debt and provide you with information about the collector and the bill that’s being collectedįor treatments you received starting January 1, 2022, you may have protections through the No Surprises Act.Ask your provider for a plain language explanation for items on medical bills that are unclear to you.Make sure the bill is yours and shows your correct name, insurance information, and billing address.Look at your medical bills closely to make sure the items on it are accurate and you received the treatments listed. ![]() ![]() Still, there are some things you can do to try to make sure that your bill is accurate, and if debt collectors contact you, that they’re not attempting to collect incorrect bills or violating your rights. The problem can be compounded if you received medical care from multiple providers. It can feel like full-time detective work to understand the costs for different procedures and what is and is not covered by insurance. ![]() When it comes to medical bills, you may find yourself caught between your medical providers and your insurance company in a confusing and unclear space. We are on your side to make sure you are treated fairly. If this sounds like you or a loved one, help is available. Medical billing and collections can hurt people when they are already struggling with a health crisis. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |