The way it works with medical bills you could always negotiate with hospitals or clinics to pay whatever you can. Send 10 bucks every month. As long as you keep paying they can’t do anything. But I am not sure what happens if it went to collectors.

Could you borrow from your mom? Sister? That’s where I would go first. But it’s a good idea to call and say you will pay but not the whole amount right away. Or use your bank loan?