Medical Bill

I'm in the same sitaution. I have a FEW medical bills 'out there'. Each time I had to go to the Emergency Room, at the hospital. BOTH times, I told the hopital's Billing Section I din't have insurance. I know our hospital has a program, for 'low-income' ( if you can't pay your bill). However....you have to be 'denied' by the Assistance Office ( here, anyway, in PA.) before you 'quailfy; for the program. Well..to make a long story short.........the FIRST bill I had gotten I tried to turn in to this program. I was told "I turned the paperwork in too late" and they couldn't help me. I even tried to tell them what nurse TOLD me 'date wise'. OUT OF LUCK THERE!! The SECOND bill went to a CA BEFORE I had a chance to do anything about it. According to the hospital Billing, once it's 'turned over' to a CA, they have nothing to do with it. Anyway...to answer your question, yes..if YOU know it's a valid bill, you DO need to pay it. Maybe you can make payment arrangements, OR..if that's not going to work with the hospital/CA, just save up ( little by little) until you get enough money to pay it off. BELIEVE me.....even if a CA is getting $20.00 per month, they cannot say "they aren't getting anything." Good luck.

Hello busted. When you say you asked the hospital for financial help, were you speaking of the hardship program? Most hospital and health providers have a hardship program available, they just don't advertise it. If this isn't what you meant, try contacting the financial office and ask them if they have a hardship program.