Hey everyone,

This topic has always interested me so I thought I'd check it out with my good friends here.

I have always wondered that if someone goes to the E.R., gets a huge bill, but pays back, say $10.00/month ... how likely are they to take that individual to court. Yes, they could .... yes, it's probably their right to be able to do so, but how many would actually follow through?

This question is posed for a reason:

When our daughter was born in 1993 (she lived 17 days due to massive heart problems), we obviously came away with a hefty medical bill. We had insurance, of course, but there are always deductibles to pay.

Because of this, however, my husband and I have never opted for the automatic FSP (flexible spending program) to submit payment to the medical community (whether that be the doctor, the hospital, the surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc.) My thought process is that whoever submits the bill the fastest will get paid, leaving all of the other bills unpaid.

Thoughts?

I know that as long as you pay something, there is not a lot they can do. I am sure that varies by state though.

Ask a lawyer who is familiar with your states laws, would be the safest thing to do.

CHarlie

If you are paying anything towards the amount due, regardless of the payment size, you are considered to be making a "good faith effort" and you should be left alone.

But, of course, the creditor wants more then you are paying so the phone calls start...harrassing they can be too...you should have the right to tell them to go away. I would ask an attorney if you have the right to tell them to leave you alone and stop calling you...if in fact this is what is happening.