What Happens If I Dont Pay My Medical Bills?

Every year, thousands of Americans receive medical treatment. But, when the bills comes, these same people are simply unable to pay their medical bills for a host of different reasons. Unfortunately, this is a real problem and often results in people getting hounded by debt collection agencies and even declaring bankruptcy as a result of medical problems. If you don’t pay your medical bills, you could see negative results on your credit report and find yourself in financial trouble.

Why Medical Bills Are Such A Problem

Most people don’t choose when to visit the hospital. They go there to need to, not because they want to. They also can’t always afford to get treatment. But because hospitals are not legally allowed to refuse treatment to anyone, these same people find themselves struggling to pay off their medical bills later if they don’t have the proper insurance. As a result, the hospital is owed money but has no guarantee that they’ll get it back. At first, the hospital may contact you directly by sending you a bill. They may call you to inform you about your medical bills. But, ultimately, if you refuse to pay them–or, simply, cannot pay them–they are forced to send your bill to a debt collection agency. At that point, a debt collector will likely call you often and possibly even threaten to garnish your wages or bank account. Though they cannot legally do it, they are paid to harass you and force you to pay your medical bills.

In a worst case scenario, if you still refuse to pay your medical bills, a debt collection agency can put a blemish on your credit report and lower your credit score. They can also take you to court to try and claim the debt back. If you truly cannot afford to pay your medical bills, you may feel hopeless at this point and seriously consider bankruptcy.

Avoiding Trouble With Medical Bills

If you’re struggling to pay a medical bill, take action immediately. Contact the hospital before the debt collection agency comes into play and work out a payment plan with them. Explain why you can’t your medical bills off and have a plan of action ready. Medical bills can impact more than just your health. But you do have to pay them off to avoid hurting your credit report, too.

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