I have a medical bill from 01-18-2000. I made many payments on the bill with the hospital. Then it went to collection after I had some difficulties making the payments. I did pay the collection agency for about 3 yrs payments. Once the bill got down to around $800 they verbally agreed for me to make one more lump sum payment and the rest would be over. Now I have just been contacted 3 yrs later by another collection firm. They are stating that I need to pay them the balance. I told them about the agreement and they said I need to give them proof of this. Unfortunately I don’t have anything in writing.

My question is what can they do, can they come after me for the balance and am I over the SOL time that I should be OK, not to be sued.
Also what action do I need to take at this point to protect myself? I am refusing to pay this due to the fact I have not be contacted about this in over 3 years and I did have an agreement with the other firm.

Please can anyone advise?

The SOL generally goes from the last activity on the account. You indicated you made the alleged settlement payment 3 yrs ago, which might leave it within the SOL.

Without proof that you had a settlement agreement that you paid, looks like you may have to negoitate another settlement.

Thanks for the information.
Since I refussed to pay the bill over the phone. What will be the next step they will take? Should I not have told them this?

I would just hope it goes away at this point. If they file for a judgement you can then figure out how to deal with it.