I have a medical bill for 168.00 that was sent to collection agency after made payment. They are going keep in the until my is paid off. This can not be right.?

Medical bills and collection agencies

In the United States, medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy. This is because medical care is expensive and many people do not have health insurance. When people cannot afford to pay their medical bills, they may be sent into collections.

Debt collectors are hired by healthcare providers to collect money that is owed. They may contact you by phone, mail, or in person to try to get you to pay your debt. Debt collectors must adhere to certain laws, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Medical bills in collections

If you have a medical bill that has been sent to collections, you may be feeling overwhelmed. You may be worried that your credit will be damaged or that you will be sued. It is important to remember that you have rights as a consumer and there are things you can do to protect yourself.

What to do if you have a medical bill in collections

If you have a medical bill that has been sent to collections, you should take the following steps:

1. Contact the debt collector. As soon as you receive a notice from a debt collector, you should contact them to discuss your debt. You can ask for a copy of the bill, the name and address of the creditor, and the date the debt was incurred.

2. Dispute the debt. If you believe that the debt is incorrect, you can dispute it with the debt collector. You must do this in writing within 30 days of receiving the notice.

3. Negotiate a payment plan. If you cannot afford to pay the debt in full, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with the debt collector. You should only agree to a payment plan that you can afford.

4. Get a credit report. You should check your credit report to see if the debt is listed. If it is, you can dispute it with the credit reporting agencies.

5. Ask for a debt validation letter. If the debt collector cannot verify the debt, you may be able to get it removed from your credit report.

Legal protections

The FDCPA protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. Debt collectors are not allowed to harass or threaten you. They must also give you certain information about your debt, such as the name and address of the creditor, the date the debt was incurred, and the amount of the debt.

If you are being harassed by a debt collector, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Medical debt and bankruptcy

If you are unable to pay your medical debt, you may be considering filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can discharge medical debt, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons of bankruptcy before making a decision.

Medical debt is a serious problem, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. By understanding your rights and taking action, you can keep debt collectors from taking advantage of you.