Want to pay but can't

[goguard]

I have some old medical collection accounts. Verifed by WAM with a detailed listing of everything done, down to meds taken. Is this appropriate coming from a CA? These are not out of SOL about 4 of them total about $500.

 

Then there is a current (last year) bill of about $1500. Turned over to NCO. NCO has already offered settlement of 40% reduction, but even at 40% I could only make payments. Any tips on getting these off my reports and back in the hands of the hospital and out of NCO. Two months ago, NCO sent a letter for the larger amount and I failed to do a timely DV. The next bill from NCO, a month later now had an additional listing for another amount, in addition to the original, I did send a DV in under 30 for this.

 

And it is or NOT ok, that the hospital can have the CA send me an itemized bill of my medical information? It is allowed because they are an "extension" of the hospital because they are contracted to work for them? I've read varying things. I'm in TN. Any comments appreciated.

[goguard]

Let me add, what I meant was I can't do the letter thing including a money order with the amount paid in full. I would have to make payments so it seems I have no way HIPPA can help me with this. Right?

[Nicole2320]

Did you to go whychat site or read other posts? He has a ltr to send to the CRA.

[goguard]

Did you to go whychat site or read other posts?  He has a ltr to send to the CRA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

This one?

 

LETTER TO COLLECTION AGENCY VALIDATION/DISPUTE/CEASE & DESIST

Basic All Purpose Letter

 

My validation letter to WAM and the recent one to NCO were similar and included a inconvenient mention of only communicating by USPS.

[Pavlov]

I think you ought to spend time on why chat's site. From what i see of your history with this, you ought to be able to get them to change or delete it. Plus, their are lots of things you can do to dispute the response they sent, like : does this company have a legal right to collect this debt from you? Are they licensed and bonded as a collection agency in your state? Take a good look at some of the more detailed DV letters, as they ask for a lot of proof you have not mentioned.

 

Also, take a look at some of dixiedrifter's letters using the search function. He knows a bunch of things about Debt Validation, and effective letters.

[goguard]

I think you ought to spend time on why chat's site. From what i see of your history with this, you ought to be able to get them to change or delete it. Plus, their are lots of things you can do to dispute the response they sent, like : does this company have a legal right to collect this debt from you? Are they licensed and bonded as a collection agency in your state? Take a good look at some of the more detailed DV letters, as they ask for a lot of proof you have not mentioned.

 

Also, take a look at some of dixiedrifter's letters using the search function. He knows a bunch of things about Debt Validation, and effective letters.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Will do. Feel the pressure to act quickly before I get a summons on the $1500 debt.

 

And I'll soon have another bill. Had 2 medical tests two months ago, they told me at the hospital by portion looked to be $$269 but if I paid that day, they would reduce it to $201. Damned if I didn't just get a bill for $500 that already has the $201 deducted out showing my responsibility is for this $500. Going to call insurance first to see why they couldn't have hit "closer to home" on what MY portion would be...how does it go from $200 to $700? If it works out to be true, then now what I recently owe them is closer to $2K. Can't win for losing!

[goguard]

All this mess frustrates the heck outta me, I am usually good at understanding law issues, but my eyes CROSS when reading all this stuff. Makes one feel very stupid. "ok, wow, I understand", then you read another paragraph that seems to contradict the other or it's like reading greek. I feel like I'm back in algebra, but I did realize "I" was my own worst enemy there. Someday the "bell" will ring here in this case I hope!! (insert embarrassed smiley)

[cotterpin]

I believe that since you already began on the DV route, then that is the route you should follow.

 

When you sent the initial DV out, did you dispute with the CRA's?

 

You say you received validation, so now we must move on to the next step. Are they, as Pavlov asked, licensed? Do they have the authority to collect on this? You don't have the money to pay this, and have more bills coming.

 

Have you spoken with the provider about any type of charity care or reductions?

 

You need to be very careful accepting "settlement" offers from a CA. For starters, the difference between the original amount due and the amount "settled" upon can be sold to another CA and easily haunt you further.

 

Secondly, paying a CA for a settlement can allow them to report the balance as Paid, settled for less than amount due. To FICO and some lenders, a CA, paid or unpaid, makes no difference. The fact that the CA existed AT ALL is the problem.