live on a Long Term
Date: Wed, 06/27/2007 - 16:09
live on a Long Term disability insurance policy that pays me a fraction of my previous salary. In the last 1.5 years, I have had multiple surgical and medical procedures for which my insurance covered the lion%u2019s share. In two of these hospitals I requested assistance in qualifying for charity care as I fall within 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Unfortunately, neither hospital followed up with my multiple requests. Thus, I have several small balances, one that has recently gone to a collection atty. This attorney is going through the motions of sending dunning letters and most recently, a demand letter, and he has a pattern of suing for small amts for nonprofit hospitals.
Last week, I sent the two hospitals letters (addressed to legal and compliance officers) asking for assistance in determining my candidacy for charity care. I was polite and did point out the state laws that require them to make known the policies and internal resources for charity care and their responsibilities for such determination upon a patient's request.
Yesterday I sent the collection attorney a DV letter (a hybrid letter disputing the debt, asking for validation through bills, signed agreements, proof of assignment and UB82 forms. I also asked for proof that the hospital acted on my requests for charity care.) It is important to note that this DV letter was sent after thirty days of the initial dunning letter (I am convalescing at my family%u2019s residence and did not get my mail in a timely fashion.)
I said all this to provide context for few concerns I have:
1. The collection atty. has a well-published pattern of litigating for small balances for many nonprofit hospitals in my town. Thus I feel like a sitting target and wish to protect myself. I am concerned that my DV letter was too late to halt collection efforts and I fear that it may motivate him to act more hastily. If he acts quickly, I am afraid that I may be unavailable to accept service as I do require my family%u2019s help currently. What are the consequences of being unavailable for service?
2. In the unlikely event that this guy secures a summary judgment, or a judgment of any kind, is my Long Term disability money at risk for garnishment or levy?
3. I have read posts about depositing money in banks in other states, but I am also aware that there are data banks that lead some attorneys to banks all over the place.
4. Finally, do you believe that my correspondence with the OC nonprofit hospitals has any intervening merit with the attempts to collect?
Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.
Last week, I sent the two hospitals letters (addressed to legal and compliance officers) asking for assistance in determining my candidacy for charity care. I was polite and did point out the state laws that require them to make known the policies and internal resources for charity care and their responsibilities for such determination upon a patient's request.
Yesterday I sent the collection attorney a DV letter (a hybrid letter disputing the debt, asking for validation through bills, signed agreements, proof of assignment and UB82 forms. I also asked for proof that the hospital acted on my requests for charity care.) It is important to note that this DV letter was sent after thirty days of the initial dunning letter (I am convalescing at my family%u2019s residence and did not get my mail in a timely fashion.)
I said all this to provide context for few concerns I have:
1. The collection atty. has a well-published pattern of litigating for small balances for many nonprofit hospitals in my town. Thus I feel like a sitting target and wish to protect myself. I am concerned that my DV letter was too late to halt collection efforts and I fear that it may motivate him to act more hastily. If he acts quickly, I am afraid that I may be unavailable to accept service as I do require my family%u2019s help currently. What are the consequences of being unavailable for service?
2. In the unlikely event that this guy secures a summary judgment, or a judgment of any kind, is my Long Term disability money at risk for garnishment or levy?
3. I have read posts about depositing money in banks in other states, but I am also aware that there are data banks that lead some attorneys to banks all over the place.
4. Finally, do you believe that my correspondence with the OC nonprofit hospitals has any intervening merit with the attempts to collect?
Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.
Due to your circumstances, income level, etc., I am fairly certa
Due to your circumstances, income level, etc., I am fairly certain you would qualify for some type of free legal aid in your area. I would look into obtaining this, as a legal aid worker would be able to help you with this and put your mind at rest.
I hope you are continuing to convalesce and pray that things will work out for you in this matter.
