For anyone ever stumbling upon this, here's some information I learned the hard way about dealing with medical debt as a result of an emergency room visit. I'm not an attorney, I'm a laymen with little experience in dealing with the law.
1. Look closely at the bill sent to you. At the top of the medical billing receipt where it breaks down the billing, look for the name of the department above that breakdown. It might seem generic, but don't assume it's just standard verbiage for their purposes. It's important information for you as well.
2. Find out online through the hospital website or call their billing department directly and make sure that the physicians/department that treated you is covered under their Charity Care/Financial Aid Department. Get confirmation if you're unsure. Get confirmation even if you are, and then ask for the contact to deal with their billing department specifically. If it's under the hospital's umbrella program, immediately apply for Charity Care/Financial Aid.
3. If it's not, find out. Don't assume just because you went to the E.R. the charges are under the umbrella of the hospital programs. That's not always the case. Hospitals often hire physicians to cover emergency room cases and their billing isn't the same as the hospital. It's okay to be upset about this because it seems misleading, but complaining about it won't be a good defense down the road, especially if it's already gone to collections. It's also important to note that private physicians or physician groups may be less flexible with time frames in dealing with your charges.
4. Stay in communications with the billing department with whomever you deem is charging you. Square away any insurance mixups immediately, if you have insurance. Don't delay it in any way. Contact your insurance provider and request confirmation in the mail. Follow up with the charges directly and request confirmation as to whether it was approved or not. If it was denied once, they won't always automatically try again. You almost certainly will need to contact your insurance directly if it was denied. If your insurance company resolves the issue, notify medical billing immediately and give them the corrected information. Confirm, confirm, confirm.
5. If you're in collections for the medical debt at this point, don't hesitate to look for legal representation. Look up your local attorneys dealing with medical debt. There may be attorneys that will give you a free consultation. Often, they can at least point you in the right direction. Ask them if there's anything they can do to help your situation. Don't be rude to these people. They know the law better than you and going off track or over talking them is ill advised. Stay on track. Let them ask the questions. They'll probably tell you what we all mostly know deep down: even if you thought you were covered, you're still ultimately responsible. Sit with that. It's a hard pill to swallow, but in the end it's better to assume this than not. And be prepared to make oodles of phone calls. Pace yourself with this, but get it done.
6. Try and negotiate with the debt collectors as early as possible. Try to remain calm. Don't promise what you can't, but don't be afraid to make basic inquiries. For example, you could ask for a payment plan, or a lump sum payment discount. It only becomes harder to do the longer it's in collections, especially if they've begun legal proceedings against you. You can be sued for medical debt, and yes they can potentially garnish your wages in the end. Try to educate yourself as much as possible about the process.
7. If you're served any legal papers don't ignore them and respond to them as soon as you can. Cover your basics by figuring out what exactly it is you need to do. But always respond. If you don't know, you need to put that in your answer. Respond even if you're late. Educate yourself if you're doubtful of what to respond with, how, or if. Go Shia LaBeouf on it: Just Do It.
8. If you're in collections, expect fees and interest. If the court gets involved expect attorney and filing fees.
9. Leave as many paper trails as you can. Save everything. Make copies of everything. Make copies of everything you send. Take notes and establish a timeline for everything. It'll help you each time you sit down or have to discuss it.
10. Evaluate what this is worth when deciding to refute the debt. If you really do think you're not responsible for paying it you will need to have solid proof to present. You'll have to determine if the cost of the debt is worth the cost of legal representation. Carefully decide this. There's a difference between feeling wronged and being legally wronged.
It sucks. I get it. I'm there with you. I made a lot of mistakes and inattentiveness and helplessness were my biggest regrets, but if you can avoid having this happen to you like it happened to me, it's worth swallowing the pride to put it out there. I didn't do what I should've, but you might still be able to. Good luck.
Thank you to everyone here who helped me navigate my personal crash course in this whole ordeal. I deeply appreciate each one of you who have given their time freely toward making this endeavor more easy to understand.
