medical bills going to collections

[redjem]

Can anyone tell me if a hospital can send your bill to collections if you have been paying on it? Mine did. The collection people say the hospital can turn it over at any time. I am wondering what the incentive is to pay the last $155 now that they have already ruined my credit and what rights I have regarding this situation. I am in Tennessee and I have been told for years that a medical bill could not be turned over to collections as long as you are paying on it every month. I have heard that there is a minumum payment of as little as $5 per month or up to a minimum of $25 a month to avoid collections, but I have no clue which is true if any of it is and have tried to find that information.

We just finished cleaning up our credit and got out of debt all but a dentist who is being very patient with me and helping me out, and this hospital bill. Now I am wondering what's the use. We will have to wait out this blemish on our credit now too. Is there anything I can do? Since the damage has been done, can I make them wait for thier payment now?
Jem

 

[PastaQ]

I'm curious about this too. I just got a $5000 bill for gall bladder surgery that will take awhile to pay off. I live in Indiana. Do I need to pay a minimum amount each month to avoid collections?