You were turned over to a collection agency by hospital after they accepted three payments you are on disability?

If you were on disability and the medical bills were related to your disability, it can be distressing and frustrating to face debt collection for them. To resolve the situation, you should take immediate action. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you address the issue.

Step 1: Contact Your Disability Provider

As a disabled individual receiving disability benefits, your medical bills might covered under your disability plan. Reach out to your disability provider, such Social Security Administration or your private disability insurance company, to understand your coverage and whether the disputed medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement under the plan.

Step 2: Review Your Medical Bills and Insurance EOBs

Obtain copies of your medical bills from the hospital or healthcare provider. Ensure that they are accurate and that you received the medical services listed. Additionally, review your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) from your disability provider to determine which medical services are approved for coverage.

Step 3: Contact the Collection Agency

Once you have a clear understanding of your disability coverage, reach out to the collection agency that has been hired by the hospital. Politely request validation of the debt, which includes an itemized list of medical services, dates, amounts, and any insurance payments received.

Step 4: Assert your rights with The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Inform the collection agency that you are on disability and that you believe they are attempting to collect a debt that is protected under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Be assertive in your communication, but remain respectful.

Step 5: File a Complaint with The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

If the collection agency does not cooperate or continues to engage in unfair debt collection practices, you can file a complaint with The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the appropriate agency in your state that oversees consumer protection.

Step 6: Negotiate a Settlement

If you owe a legitimate debt, attempt to negotiate a payment plan with the collection agency that aligns with your financial limitations while on disability. Be sure to get any agreements in writing.

Step 7: Review Credit Report and Dispute inaccuracies

Monitor your credit report and ensure there are no inaccurate entries. If you find inaccuracies, file a dispute with the relevant credit bureau and work towards correcting them.

Step 8: Seek Legal Assistance

If you are overwhelmed by the debt collection process or believe that you have been treated unfairly, consider consulting a legal professional who specializes in consumer protection or disability rights. They can provide guidance and representation to protect your rights.

Remember that you have rights and protections under the law, and you should not be burdened with debt collection for medical services that are related to your disability if they should be covered under your disability plan.