Medical bill question
Date: Sat, 04/30/2011 - 07:07
Hi
I had some tests done in November of 2010 and paid cash because I have no insurance. A month later a bill popped up so I paid it another month goes by another bill after trying to fight it, I paid it as well. Then on March 9 I get a call from a collection agency about another "unpaid bill" I told them all the bills I got, I paid. They were sending the bill to an address I haven't lived at in 4 or 5 years. I asked for something in writing they said they would send it, they didn't. SO I called on April 6 and asked for a copy of the bill this time they sent it, it was post marked April 9. I didn't pay it right away because they were charging me for things I already paid my dr for, But I did eventually pay it as well. Now I have a "final notice" before they send it to a real collection agency (the check crossed paths in the mail with this notice)
Anyways the question is: The only way they could have gotten this old address was from my credit report. Do they have a legal right to look at my credit report before attempting to collect a debt? All the other bills came to the right address first. Thanks for any help in advance.
I had some tests done in November of 2010 and paid cash because I have no insurance. A month later a bill popped up so I paid it another month goes by another bill after trying to fight it, I paid it as well. Then on March 9 I get a call from a collection agency about another "unpaid bill" I told them all the bills I got, I paid. They were sending the bill to an address I haven't lived at in 4 or 5 years. I asked for something in writing they said they would send it, they didn't. SO I called on April 6 and asked for a copy of the bill this time they sent it, it was post marked April 9. I didn't pay it right away because they were charging me for things I already paid my dr for, But I did eventually pay it as well. Now I have a "final notice" before they send it to a real collection agency (the check crossed paths in the mail with this notice)
Anyways the question is: The only way they could have gotten this old address was from my credit report. Do they have a legal right to look at my credit report before attempting to collect a debt? All the other bills came to the right address first. Thanks for any help in advance.
I don't think there is any need for the debt collector to check
I don't think there is any need for the debt collector to check your credit report before collecting the debts from you.
