Can your wages be garnished for an unpaid hospital bill?

Yes, in most cases, your wages can be garnished for an unpaid hospital bill. However, there are some exceptions and limitations.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Creditor Judgment: Before a hospital can garnish your wages, they must first obtain a creditor judgment against you. This means they need to take legal action and obtain a court order that confirms you owe the debt and have not fulfilled your payment obligations.

2. State Laws: The specific rules regarding wage garnishment for medical debt vary from state to state. Some states have laws that limit or exempt certain types of income or assets from garnishment for medical bills. For instance, some states may exempt a specific portion of your wages or protect essential living expenses.

3. Federal Exemptions: Federal law also provides certain exemptions for wage garnishment for medical debt. For example, your primary residence, personal belongings, and certain government benefits like Social Security are typically exempt from garnishment.

4. Amount and Duration: The amount that can be garnished from your wages is typically limited by a percentage of your disposable income. In most cases, the maximum amount that can be garnished is 25% of your disposable income. The garnishment may continue until the debt is satisfied, but it should not exceed the specified limits set by state or federal laws.

5. Pay Periods: Wage garnishment is usually made on a regular basis, such as weekly or monthly. The hospital or its collection agency may contact your employer to initiate the garnishment process.

6. Alternatives to Garnishment: Before resorting to wage garnishment, hospitals may try other methods to collect the debt, such as sending you notices or bills, calling you to discuss payment options, or offering payment plans. It is important to communicate with the hospital or collection agency to discuss and explore alternatives to wage garnishment.

If you are facing an unpaid hospital bill and the possibility of wage garnishment, it is crucial to seek legal advice. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights, explore options for resolving the debt, and potentially negotiate a payment plan with the hospital to prevent or minimize wage garnishment.