Collector's calling medical bills excess 25,000.00

[karamarie]

What is the name of your state? TN

My son was in an accident. We have medical bills in excess of 25,000.00. I'm only able to afford about $2-$5 a month to each creditor seperatly. We are waiting on a settlement but I'm unsure when that will be. Even though I pay every month we still get collectors calling us.

Will they sue us soon?
Is there anything else I should be doing?
We can't afford to pay more each month. Will it go on my credit?
I've been sending the money automatic payment to the original hospital's etc. Do I need to change that to the collection agency's address?

 

[TigerD]

What is the name of your state? TN

My son was in an accident. We have medical bills in excess of 25,000.00. I'm only able to afford about $2-$5 a month to each creditor seperatly. We are waiting on a settlement but I'm unsure when that will be. Even though I pay every month we still get collectors calling us.

Will they sue us soon?

Soon is relative. Will they eventually? Yes

Is there anything else I should be doing?

Talk to the billing department at the hospital about programs that can help.

We can't afford to pay more each month. Will it go on my credit?

Yes

I've been sending the money automatic payment to the original hospital's etc. Do I need to change that to the collection agency's address?

The collection agency will not report the payment until it gets to them. I'd send it to the CA, but it will get there eventually.

DC

 

[karamarie]

I didn't quite understand what you meant. What do you mean send it to CA? CA stands for California. I've been sending the money to the original Hospitals and doctors. So should it be sent to the new collector or the original? Thanks.

 

[TigerD]

CA = collection agency

 

[moburkes]

Who was at fault for the accident? Does the at fault party have auto insurance? For how much?

 

[karamarie]

They were at fault and it's their homeowners insurance that we will eventually get a settlement from.

 

[moburkes]

Like DC said, talk to the hospital. Also, contact the insurance company. Explain that you are getting these bills, and can they pay them for you.

 

[karamarie]

I already talked to the hospital when we were there last year and they discounted a little bit of the balance. We are a few hundred dollars a year over low income. The bills are from different things like the ambulance, multiple doctors, CT scans, MRI's, etc. There are over 20 different bills. The bills I'm getting calls on I've explained the situation to and I have at least been sending something but they said they will keep calling till it's paid in full.

I also already asked about the bills to the insurance company. My son needed surgery in June because of the accident and they refused to pay any bills at all until the settlement. Luckily my husbands insurance started the day before and we were able to use it for the surgery. Although we still owe about $3000 for that.

Thanks for the advice though. It sounds like I just need to hold on until the settlement. If you can think of anything else that might help me, it would be greatly appreciated.