Hospital Bill

[Momto1yrold]

Im in NY.
I owe a hospital bill from when I gave birth to my daughter. The amount is about $5,000. When I went to court for child support the magistrate couldnt force her father to help pay any of it. Even though the magistrate stated well he can be a nice guy and try submitting the bill on his insurance or help you pay some of it. Her father was trying ot look good and agreed "yeah oh yeah".

So after that court date he wanted no contact and began a big mess in family court so needless to say he didnt help pay any. Well I couldnt afford to pay it myself either.

I havent received a bill in awhile but now I am being served with court papers. Not sure what kind they are the processor called me and is dropping them off tonight (he went to my job twice on my days off and after the first time I told my boss to give him my number).

Can I contact the billing center still or is it too late? I want to be able to make monthly payments now that I have a second job and can send that extra money to make payments. I am receiving no help at all from her dad so this is very hard right now. And I am still going through court with her father about support.

What will happen? Will they get an order to garnish my wages or how will this work? The bill is almost 2 yrs old. I shouldnt have put off and I regret that now. Will they consider a payment plan or will something worse happen. I dont own property nor do I have a hughe income earning job. Any advice or input is appreciated please. Besides I should have paid or contacted them sooner. I also have my tax refund that I could give them a good portion of the bill about a fifth of the bill.

[Ladynred]

Can I contact the billing center still or is it too late?

If you're referring to the hospital, it really is too late, they're suing you, but you can TRY. However, I wouldn't call them, I'd go to the billing office.

I want to be able to make monthly payments now that I have a second job and can send that extra money to make payments.

If the billing office won't work with you, then you'll have to work this out in court. You will probably be given one last chance to settle or may payment arrangements, but do NOT blow off the court date and if you're required to file a written Answer to the Complaint, DO IT.

What will happen? Will they get an order to garnish my wages or how will this work?

The worst that could happen ?? Once they get a judgment, they can garnish your wages, seize your bank account, and attempt to seize any other non-exempt assets you have.