Dealing with Medical Debt Collection

Medical debt can be overwhelming, especially if it is a significant amount. Medical debt collection practices are also becoming increasingly aggressive. This can take a toll on your finances and cause a great deal of stress. Fortunately, there are ways you can get out from under and improve your financial situation.

If you’re struggling with medical debt and getting calls and letters from debt collectors, it is in your best interest to reach out to the experienced Ohio consumer law attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates. We can inform you of your legal options for debt relief and ensure your rights are protected.

Call (888) 726-3181 today or submit a request online to set up a free consultation.

How to Deal with Medical Debt

One of the main reasons medical debt is so stressful is that in addition to dealing with hospitals and doctors, you have to face your health insurance company and constant contact from debt collectors.

Here are some tips to help you with medical debt:

• As soon as you receive a bill from a hospital or doctor’s office, ensure its accuracy. If you find any overcharges or charges for care that you never received, consult the billing department to have it corrected.
• Since you may be able to negotiate your bill, it’s well worth your time and effort to try to reduce the total amount you owe.
• If you don’t have the cash to pay for your bill upfront, work with your medical provider to design a payment plan. Even though you may have to pay fees or interest, you’ll be able to spread out the total in manageable monthly payments.

Be Cautious of Debt Collectors

If you are receiving letters and phone calls from debt collectors regularly, you should be careful. Any time a debt collector calls you to inform you that you have an outstanding medical bill, ask them to verify the debt.

They should be able to provide you with the name and address of the medical provider you owe money to, the amount you owe, and a statement that gives you the chance to dispute your debt. If you don’t receive this information or you don’t agree with it for any reason, you may want to dispute the collection.

How to Dispute Medical Debt

You have 30 days from the time you receive the information about your medical debt to dispute it. The longer you wait, the more difficult the process becomes, so it’s important to take care of it right away. Since the process can be quite complex and you want to make sure you do it correctly, it’s a good idea to work with an Ohio debt dispute attorney.

They can help you write a letter and send it via certified mail so that you know it was received. Keep in mind that if the debt becomes validated and you have not paid it, you may have to go to court. If you ignore any lawsuit that is filed against you, you’ll be charged with fees and fines. Therefore, if you receive any notice about a lawsuit, contact a lawyer who can make you aware of your rights.

Struggling with Medical Debt? Call LHA

Luftman, Heck & Associates is here to help you with any medical debt collection issues you may have. We are well-versed in the laws related to medical debt and can help you get through this financial roadblock in your life.

Call our firm today at (888) 726-3181.