What is the name of your state? North Carolina
I'm a disabled senior receiving approximately $1,882 a month in SSDI, which I must use to support both myself and my wife. After our expense we have approximately $18.00 a month left over. Additionally, my wife has no income of her own, we do not own any property, we do not own any vehicles, and we do not have any savings.
I'm also receiving Medicare Part A and Part B.
Back in July I called a local medical clinic to schedule an appointment, the appointment ended up being in mid-August. During my phone call, I gave all of my medical and insurance information to the receptionist, and I asked her if I would incur any out of pocket expenses as a result of being seen at the clinic. The receptionist stated that, based upon what she saw right in front of her, I should not be faced with any out of pocket expenses after being seen at the clinic. (My wife who almost never backs me up over heard this part of the conversation on the phone, and she agrees that is what the receptionist told me.)
Now, I have recently received a bill in the neighborhood of $300.00 from the above clinic, which I cannot pay. I went to this particular clinic because it was represented to me as a low cost clinic, and because the receptionist led me to believe that I would not incur any out of pocket costs. Now I'm devestated by this bill, and I don't know what to do about it. I tried contacting them and letting them know that I cannot pay, but they are firm that I must pay the bill which they have sent to me.
I'm hoping that since my only source of income is SSDI, that they won't be able to touch that, even if this goes to collections and or small claims court?
Another factor is, I have done a decent job of keeping my credit report clean, because my wife and I are trying to move into a low income senior apartment, but if this debt sours my credit report, then we may not qualify to move in. Any advice greatly appreciated.
I'm a disabled senior receiving approximately $1,882 a month in SSDI, which I must use to support both myself and my wife. After our expense we have approximately $18.00 a month left over. Additionally, my wife has no income of her own, we do not own any property, we do not own any vehicles, and we do not have any savings.
I'm also receiving Medicare Part A and Part B.
Back in July I called a local medical clinic to schedule an appointment, the appointment ended up being in mid-August. During my phone call, I gave all of my medical and insurance information to the receptionist, and I asked her if I would incur any out of pocket expenses as a result of being seen at the clinic. The receptionist stated that, based upon what she saw right in front of her, I should not be faced with any out of pocket expenses after being seen at the clinic. (My wife who almost never backs me up over heard this part of the conversation on the phone, and she agrees that is what the receptionist told me.)
Now, I have recently received a bill in the neighborhood of $300.00 from the above clinic, which I cannot pay. I went to this particular clinic because it was represented to me as a low cost clinic, and because the receptionist led me to believe that I would not incur any out of pocket costs. Now I'm devestated by this bill, and I don't know what to do about it. I tried contacting them and letting them know that I cannot pay, but they are firm that I must pay the bill which they have sent to me.
I'm hoping that since my only source of income is SSDI, that they won't be able to touch that, even if this goes to collections and or small claims court?
Another factor is, I have done a decent job of keeping my credit report clean, because my wife and I are trying to move into a low income senior apartment, but if this debt sours my credit report, then we may not qualify to move in. Any advice greatly appreciated.
