“Dear Steve,
I debate politics a lot with friends and even complete strangers. More than once someone has insisted that “If you just pay $1 a month they have to accept it and they can’t send you to collections and it will have no negative impact on your credit score.” Usually it is in regards to medical debt. In fact, in debating healthcare reform I was told no one ever under no circumstances needs to file bankruptcy because of medical bills. But, I’ve alo gotten that statement when discussing mortgage payments, credit card payments, student loan payments and just about everything else. I’ve even heard “I know it’s true because my grandma/aunt/distant cousin did it” I ask for proof, some bill number, rulings, or some other ssource to validate their claim. I never get it, but they continue to believe they are 100%, without a doubt correct.
While the logic completely escapes me, I’ve tried to find out the exact law on this so I can have it handy next time the argument is (inevitably) made. But, searching gets me more people making the claims for or against and no concrete proof one way or the other. I’m sure it is just that I am not searching the right terms, or something. I emailed the state’s (MO in this case) Attorney Generall as well as the Missouri Division of Finance. No answers (I’m suspecting they had a good chuckle and deleted the email). So I’m hoping you can give me a definitive answer since this is either a VERY common misconception or I am somehow possibly completely misunderstanding the issue.
Leagally, who decides what the minimum payment is on a medical bill, do they HAVE to accept anything you give them, at what point can they send it to collections and have and affect on your credit score?
Shanna”
Dear Shanna,
The belief that you can only send $1 a month to avoid collection on medical debts is bullshit. I didn’t want to sugarcoat it for you. Who ever is giving you that advice is the last person that anyone should trust for debt help. Run away!
Having run some big medical practices in my day I happen to know quite a bit about this subject. Medical debts are debts incurred without a payment plan and technically the bill is due in full upon receipt unless a prior plan was agreed to between the medical provider and patient.
The patient typically signs a statement they are fully responsible for the debt regardless of their insurance. And many people also refuse to pay when their insurance company does not pay on a timely basis. Insurance is there as a benefit for the patient, not the doctor. If the insurance company does not pay the patient must. Some doctors will “accept assignment” meaning they will accept as payment in full what the insurance company determines to be the usual and customary rate for that service in that area. The insurance may then pay a portion of that debt, the patient the balance and the rest is erased.
When a medical provider creates a payment plan they do so out of courtesy to the patient, not because they are obligated to do it. Sending $1 a month will not only not keep you out of collections but it won’t stop the medical provider from suing the patient to collect.
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i sent a creditor proof of income $101.63 disability and sent them $1 a month with a cease and desist letter after 13 months i get a 90% off settlement. still got the charge off status but who cares i got 90% of the debt forgiven.
I got a question: My stepfather died in October and we have been getting his doctor bills in the mail , we contacted them and explained to them he had passed and said “ His bill is now our responsibility “ My mom and him was never married so is it now on us to pay it ?
Actually, his bill would be the responsibility of his estate. When he passed away did you open probate with the court to handle his final affairs?
Your cursing non professional reaction and admission that you were part
of those that make a profit off of us, is bull—- I find it hard to
believe that someone with a horse in the race is going to answer Yes to
this. I bet you this sort of thing is more Automation that human, and it
sees “payment received” and not..”well how much are they paying us?”
You would have every reason in the world to state the answer is no, and
when you talk cursing like a biker? you drop your credibility to that of
a Social media user.
Sorry but that is bullshit too STEVE. My mother heard the same thing from her attorney and IT WORKED!! Also show them  the HRJ 192 House joint resolution when the US took our gold and silver from us in exchange from federal reserve notes! ALSO SHOW THEM THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS THE SURPLUS OF SLUSH FUNDS that all these corps are making from us. Total Scam. If you like to learn to be a secure party creditor go to sovereignwarriors.ning.com HUGS!
Druanna Johnston
I happen to not be wrong but you are entitled to your sovereign warrior point of view.
Listen george, but you come off ike some Facebook user looking to profit.
First to Steve: I have been viewing/enjoying this site for a while. Today I have sent (with this one) three posts/replys. IF I am over-responding I aplogize. Now:
Shanna; don’t do it! I had thought the same thing and sent in several “short payments” to a creditor (I even sent them letters saying I was going to do that). In short, by the time I “wisened up” I lost close to a $1,000 dollars in partial payments. Don’t do anything like that unless you have it in writing from the creditor that they will accept it.Good luck!
Wayne,
No worries friend. I saw your comments and welcomed them. The more experiences and feedback people can share only serves to help everyone. Thank you for taking the time to comment. It’s a great gift.
Steve
P.S. Keep commenting.
Thank you Steve for your comments.
I guess I need to do alittle research and figure out what to do from here. Its discourageing when you are trying to pay them off and feel better about yourself but get slapped in the face instead. Thank you for your information. I really apprecate it.
I am curious? I am also going thorugh :
Angie Molina
SIMON & BOCKSCH
1001 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 1200
Miami, FL 33131
(866) 446-0969 – Tollfree Phone
(786) 237-3834 – Phone
(786) 237-3835 – Fax
angie@simon-trial.com
I have been on the program since the end of oct. I have been getting numerous phone calls still and many accounts are now going to collections. When I speak to Angie (through e-mail) she says it takes time and everyone has been contacted . They are just saying they have not been.
What is your advice to do about this
Emily,
Read “Debt Settlement Company Does Apparently Nothing After Taking Mom’s Money And Leaves Her Getting Sued” and tell me if that sounds similar to your situation.
Steve