Can you add medical bills to an existing Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

In general, you cannot add new debts to an existing Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy, and the debts that you can include in your bankruptcy are limited to those that you owe at the time you file your petition. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule.

Priority debts: If your medical bills qualify as a priority debt under the Bankruptcy Code, you may be able to add them to your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan. Priority debts are debts that must be paid in full before any other debts, such as taxes, child support, and certain types of loans.

Unpaid bills from your plan: If you have unpaid medical bills from the period of time when your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan is in effect, you may be able to include them in your plan at a later date. This is known as a "modification" to your plan. However, it is important to note that you can only modify your plan if the court approves your request.

Extensions: In some cases, you may be able to extend your Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan for up to two years. If you extend your plan, you may be able to add new debts to it, including medical bills.

If you are considering adding medical bills to your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is important to speak to a bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options. An attorney can help you determine whether you qualify to add medical bills to your bankruptcy plan and can assist you in the process of filing a modification or extension.