I received my first collection letter today!!

**Buckeye5** · 10-29-2007, 06:13 PM

Well as you know in 13 months we had 2 back surgeries and owed $13,000.00 out of pocket in medical bills. We still have about $2900.00. left. I received a ltter today saying that a medical bill that I now owe$1080 was turned into collections. I have been making payments every month, and it still was turned in. I called the collection agency, and they said that I need to make a minimumof $35 a month but if I pay the full amount by December 23rd it will not go on my credit bureau. Obviously I don't have that extra money so I guess it will go on the my credit. I have been making $50 a month payments since April after my Dh had surgery in March. I am a bit upset about it, what can I do?? Any suggestions, and by the way, we found out today that DD#2 needs eye surgery ASAP. SHw as born with strabismus and we did everything the Dr. said but it is now time for surgery because her eyes are all over the place, she goes to college and works. Does anyone know what happens or has experienced a medical bill going into collections?? ANy advice or feed back would be appreciated. Thanks and sorry this is so..long.

**Jaded** · 10-29-2007, 06:52 PM

Don't worry about it. Creditors hardly even look at medical bills on your credit, and besides that, you can prove you've been paying regularly. Get them to put it in writing that you have been paying, however, they are going to turn it in to the collection bureau anyway. Tell them you'll be sending it to the credit bureau to put in their file. Bet they'll make a deal with you then.

**frugal-fannie** · 10-29-2007, 07:33 PM

I would probably call them back and tell them you are going to file a letter with the BBB. Get names and write their president and owner.That you are making your best attempt to pay them back.You could also tell them you are going to talk to a lawyer about them harassing, and threatening you. I would also send a letter to the Credit Boards.explaining the situation if they do.

**McD** · 10-29-2007, 11:51 PM

...Actually this statement : "Don't worry about it. Creditors hardly even look at medical bills on your credit" is not entirely true.

I work for a bank and we take very seriously any collections on a credit report--even if they are medical related. With that being said, we don't take them as seriously as we would bankruptcys, credit card collections, returned check collections. It also depends entirely on the creditor.

I don't have any expertise in this area, however, if you go to www.creditboards.com they have a medical collections board forum that offers great advice.