[john]

Ronnie

You must take some professional help and reach to a negotiated amount. Keeping in mind the amount of money you make, since the debt is large and you have other bills to pay as well, you need to work out a suitable payment plan with the creditors and the collection agencies. The consolidator will arrange the payment plan for you after negotiating with all of them. Register yourself in this website for a free counseling.

Just a thought, may not help..but, I worked for a doctor so I know that some hospitals have programs where they will either discount a portion or write off the money you owe due to financial hardships, even if you have insurance. Some of them require that you fill out an application for financial assistance, then they handle it accordingly. Lots of people don't know about this, but it also depends on the type of hospital. If it is a community hospital, they are more likely to have this program. It doesn't hurt to check it out. If they don't have that program, you have lost nothing. But I know I referred a few patients to that program before and it worked out for them. Good luck either way.

[imkimssister]

TMD--thats very interesting and nice to know. maybe Ronnie should check into this to see if they can do anything to help him out. as you stated, he hasn't lost anything if they say no and it certainly never hurts to try. If this fails, I think John had a good idea too.

Ronnie, I meant to add, that maybe you were a little surprised that you heard from collection agency after paying on accounts every month, but just because you're making payments, doesn't mean you still won't hear from collection agencies, or even get carted off to court. Been there done that. Just try to get something worked out as soon as possible on your end, so you won't get blind sided. shirley

[ben]

TMD, that's a very good idea indeed. And it will be helpful if the hospital is having such programs.

TMD, I have read your previous posts and found them very helpful for the community's knowledge. It will be nice if you can join our community as a registered member and enjoy some exclusive offers available to the members of this site. Your registration in this website is absolutely free. Hope to keep in touch with you often.

[TMD]

This is TMD I have been a member for a little while, just usually don't log in. Guess I will start doing that from now on.

The hospital which was Miller-Dwan in Minnesota did have a community care program and a discount thing for low-income people and they did take care of about $9000.00 of the bill of which I really appreciated. I did speak with the representing parties that were sending me bills every month and explained to them and filled out some financial thing for a couple of them stating how much I made and such...I just dont understand how they all know my financial situation and yet refer me to collections...now they have to share that with a collection agency...It doesnt make much since to me....or logical. So now I have this Ventus Capital Services,Lp group trying to get blood out of a turnip. Should I not call them from my home phone?? Just curious..as a friend told me to NOT to?? Anyway thanks for being so helpful...kind of unusual these days, I must admit, but nice.

[imkimssister]

Ronnie, if you have their address, I would prefer to discuss it through 'written correspondence only'. Its your call though. I've heard both ways...but my thinking is if you call them, then they think its okay to start calling you. which, they will probably do anyways. So I usually write and tell them no phone calls, written correspondence only. And we go back and forth through USPS. If you don't have a problem with talking to them on the phone, then go ahead but I never leave them that option. JMO, shirley

I think I will take your advice TrittFan and go with written correspondence. By the way..TrittFan I dont see a donate button anywhere??? as I would glady turnover the points to you. Thanks for your help. By the way I am Ronnie D...cant seem to remove the guest name I used as I just signed up.

[john]

Ronnie, you need to log in the forums with your email address and password from the login button at the left side of the index page. Once you have logged in, you will be able to donate points to the preferred user.

[RONNIE D]

Thanks John..I use so many forums dealing with PC Hardware/Software and Game Forums that you would think they are all the same...but rarely are they.

[TMD]

For some reason I am having trouble posting to this particular thread.

Ronnie-the reason they sent you to collections is because most medical companies/offices like their AR (accounts recievable) list to be as low as possible, so even if someone is paying on an account they eventually get rid of it after a certain amount of time.

[imkimssister]

YO Ronnie!!!! nice to see a face with a name!! shirley

[RONNIE D]

Well that is somewhat understandable...still I dont see the benefit there of now having to share that amount from a paying person with a collection agency..when in order to get more from me they would have to garnish my wages and I believe that would facilitate a burden on my behalf..or does a court take into account the burden a garnishment would have on a person before imposing one??? just curious...

[TMD]

well, I don't know if they care about the burden, but I am pretty sure the judge will not order something you cannot possibly pay. The judge does know you have to eat, have shelter, etc. This company might also be using that as a scare tactic...they may have no intention of garnishing your wages. I can't tell you how many times I have been told that by a collector. They love scare tactics...so if you do choose to talk to them, talk like you are very knowledgable of the laws, and don't sound intimidated. That is all the advise I have really, sorry I can't help more. Good luck.

[RONNIE D]

Well thank you Shirley. Its not a very good pic...dont think I resized it properly.

[RONNIE D]

Well thanks for the info and advice toenails...interesting username, though.