which would i want to do?

There are a variety of options to choose from. If you gave your phone number at signup, a credit counselor should be calling you soon. They will go over your finances, and help you make that decision. You don't have to go with the company that contacts you, but whatever company you might use-research them, use this website, go to the BBB, check with your local consumer protection agency, make sure they are reputable.

How much do you owe in total, frogluver. Some companies don't include medical bills in their program. In case, you are unable to find the company combining all debts under one plan because of your medical bills, try direct arrangements with the hospital and clear them off. I heard from someone that medical debts don't go to the credit reporting, so you don't need to be worried of them hurting your credit. Please double check this info. I am not 100 percent sure.

I think it depends on the state if medical bills can be reported on credit reports. I know in my state, Oregon, they can't, but I'm pretty sure its a state by state issue.

And just because a medical bill can't show on your credit report doesn't mean you shouldn't pay it. They can still sue you and garnish your wages and all that great stuff.

I'm not positive about this, but if they were to sue you and win a judgement, can the judgement be reported on your credit report, even though the original debt can't? Just curious . . .

Also, per federal law, medical debts are shown with a generic, non descriptive entry.

And if the medical debt goes to collections, I believe the collectors will not leave the chance to report in the consumer's file and hurt his credit.

My obvious question would be this---when you write what should you apply for?---it almost sounds like you are inquiring about a loan, are you?. If it is--sorry, we don't lend money on this site.

Bony you posted:

"And if the medical debt goes to collections, I believe the collectors will not leave the chance to report in the consumer's file and hurt his credit."

Unfortunately, this isn't the case. I've had several medical bills go into collections and they have damaged my credit. In fact, they are the only old delinquent accounts that are still being reported as current, even a couple of years later. I have managed to pay off the smaller ones. Just wanted to put this info out there for anyone else who was in the same situation or perhaps wondering.