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Nicoleb, you and I are in similar situations. I am getting calls about a bill I owe that is $6,100.00 for 12 hours in the emergency room.
Unless you own real estate, or a valuable art collection, or expect a big inheritance from your Uncle Joe, you might be in no where near the trouble that it feels like you're in. Your credit rating will take a hit, and that can make a loan cost more if you go to buy a car. That's probably about the worst that is ever going to happen to you over this debt.
I highly recommend accepting every single phone call you get from a collection agency. That's what I do. If I get a voice mail or an automated message asking me to call back, I write down the number and always call back. I calmly and politely tell them that I don't have an income that allows me to pay that now, and I won't have it tomorrow or next week. And "No, there is no one in my family who can help pay the bill." And "No, I can't even afford to pay one dollar per month toward the balance." And, "Who knows - maybe one day my circumstances will greatly improve and I will let you know if that happens and let's hope it does."
When they have called, I have said that "I'ld be so happy to work something out, but right now there is absolutely nothing that I can work out, as much as I really wish there was. And - Oh, before you go, I just want to clarify that amount - now wait till I get a notebook - so tell me the exact amount because I really want to keep track."
It typically takes way less effort than all that to get the collector wanting to say good-bye to me. However, I am prepared to wear that agent out with my truthful tale of woe to the point that the agent, not me, will want to get off the phone. I never try to get rid of them. Also, I am happy to have their name and know that they are assigned to me and "give me your extension number so I can call you if anything changes, and we will keep in touch."
It works. Now, I get one call every 2 months to see inquire if my income has gone up.
My main message: Don't let collection agencies get you to feeling like you're a fugitive on the run. You did not break any law by going into the hospital.
Last edited by Rose76; Aug 18, 2011 at 04:43 PM.
Reason: too long.
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