dispute of debt

I contacted the collection agency I owe medical debt to, and the man I spoke with claims I owe $2700 instead of the $1300 reported on my credit report and that I have received letters for. I think he's trying to get me to pay more than I'm responsible for. I sent him a letter stating my position with a copy of my credit report outlining these facts. How do I go about paying these debts in particular and have them noted as such on my credit report without having them say, "Oh, you paid on such and such debt and not these" (that happened when I paid my phone bill)?

Also, is it better to hang in there and pay all your debts or to just forget about it and file bankruptcy? So many people seem to be able to get all kinds of credit after bankruptcy I wonder.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face=" Arial, Verdana, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by dpech66:
I contacted the collection agency I owe medical debt to, and the man I spoke with claims I owe $2700 instead of the $1300 reported on my credit report and that I have received letters for. I think he's trying to get me to pay more than I'm responsible for. I sent him a letter stating my position with a copy of my credit report outlining these facts. How do I go about paying these debts in particular and have them noted as such on my credit report without having them say, "Oh, you paid on such and such debt and not these" (that happened when I paid my phone bill)?

Also, is it better to hang in there and pay all your debts or to just forget about it and file bankruptcy? So many people seem to be able to get all kinds of credit after bankruptcy I wonder. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

You're forgetting something. What are you forgetting? That's right - - the accumulation of interest. You've obviously let this debt remain unpaid for an inordinate period of time. The number on your credit report is the amount your owed when it was first reported and became delinquent.

Bankruptcy is not fun, nor is it a viable solution unless you are so, irretreivably strapped, and backed up against the wall. A BK stays on your record for 10 years. Good luck getting housing, or other loans - - except VERY high interest loans - - almost as bad as getting a loan from Guido, or Sal.

A BK trustee runs your life, and takes everything from you, with the exception of only some exempt personal property. So, unless you like someone rummaging through your house, and your finances for up to 5 years (Chap. 13), then I wouldn't advise it.

IAAL



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I agree with your response about the bankruptcy (that's why I have never filed bankruptcy), however, these bills are only from 1997 (three years ago when my daughters went to the emergency room). This seems like interest equal to the amount I owe. I tried making $50/month payments for awhile but they were constantly calling me, harrassing me and saying it wasn't enough money, so I stopped talking to them because it was futile. What is the best way to deal with this creditor with the least headaches, quickest pay off, and least money out of pocket? I am a single parent and I only make $1206 take home, have three kids, and don't get another other financial support. Would it be better just to ignore them? Everytime I try and deal with them I end up being really sorry that I even tried. And what about the current debt that I've been making faithful regular payments directly to the hospital (to avoid going to collection but they sent me anyway)? Should I continue making my regular payments to the hospital (they've been cashing my checks), or am I obligated to deal with the collection agency?