hospital bills as a minor - an epic novel

[jamied1]

What is the name of your state? Tx . I had a call yesterday from a collection agency claiming that I owe a medical bill from 1999, when I was not yet 17 years old. I was living with my parents at the time and went to the emergency room from school with a kidney stone. I think our insurance covered all of that anyway. The collection agency says that this became my debt when I turned 18, although this is the first notice we've ever had. And they say if I don't pay they will put it on my and my spouse's credit report. Can they do that? Even if there was a bill, can I be responsible for a debt when I was 16 and under parental care? And isn't there a statute of limitations? This is from 1999, they say, but wouldn't I have heard from them before now? I turned 18 in 2000 and have lived here all along. Thanks for your help.

[cmorris]

The statute of limitations is 4 years for TX.

Send them a letter, certified mail return receipt, asking for proper validation of this alleged debt. Remind them in writing that you were a minor at the time they claim the alleged debt was incurred and ask for proof of how you are personally liable. Tell them to only contact you by mail, as it is inconvenient to receive phone calls.

If you send this before they place it on your credit reports, they cannot do so until they provide proper validation. And they cannot put this on your spouse's credit report legally (ever)--you were not married at the time it was allegedly incurred.

As an added suggestion, head over to [URL=http://www.creditboards.com]creditboards.com[/URL] and learn about your rights.

[jamied1]

Tx. Thanks for the great info. But CAN I be held responsible for bills from 6 years ago when I was a minor? I don't think I even signed anything at the hospital. The collection guy was nasty and said it became my debt when I turned 18. That's confusing.

[cmorris]

States differ on the subject. Being that it was medical, you *may* be liable. Perhaps JETX or Ladynred will know. However, it is out of statute, meaning you don't legally have to pay. BUT to prevent it from going on your credit report, send the validation letter certified mail return receipt. They will have to PROVE it is YOUR debt to pay before placing it on your reports (only as long as you send that letter!). Most collection agencies can't do that, especially for out of statute debts.

[jamied1]

Tx.... Thanks so much for the advice. I don't know if medical bills are considered written contracts or open accounts or if that even matters.

[Ladynred]

But CAN I be held responsible for bills from 6 years ago when I was a minor?

NO ! The SOL has EXPIRED no matter what the debt was. You do NOT need to ask for validation. Send them a cease and desist letter telling them to take a hike, never bother you about it again, the debt is time-barred per TX statute.

Use this letter:
[url]http://whychat.5u.com/nottoca.html[/url]

If the scumbags try to put this on your credit reports, SUE THEM !