About a year ago I went to the ER due to severe stomach pain that had lasted for over a month. I was a temporary employee at the time and didn't not have insurance.

During the visit they drew my blood and then the doctor came in and said I was healthy and that they were not going to run any tests, and if the pain got worse to come back.

I filled out the financial hardship form, it was returned 3 times, and no matter what I did I couldn't get it approved.

I then received a bill for $2200. And 30 days later it went to a collection agency.

The collection agency called and I spoke to them, and I offered $25/month payments because that's all I could afford. They declined it. I didn't hear from them again for 6 months, they called but left no message. I'm now hearing from them again, a year later, and after calling my cell phone they called my work number, after the first time I talked to them I specifically told them to not call that number as I'm unable to receive personal calls at work. When I spoke to her and told her this she stated that I will be receiving a letter from their attorney and that I better make time to call her back on my lunch break.

Any suggestions on what I can do?

Calls can be considered harassment according to state law. (You can try to find that law on your state website.) The trouble with waiting for the letter is that they may tack on fees, and eventually court costs, if they ever go that far.
I have a feeling that they aren't even going to pay the lawyer fee for 2200, but I could be wrong. So it's in your interest to call them and work something out.
If they say they can't be called back, I would hang up.

I'm sorry you went to an ER when you had pain for a month, instead of a walk-in clinic, which is much cheaper and in many cases, better for finding out what's wrong. Did you ever find out?

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Originally Posted by joypulv

Calls can be considered harassment according to state law. (You can try to find that law on your state website.) The trouble with waiting for the letter is that they may tack on fees, and eventually court costs, if they ever go that far.
I have a feeling that they aren't even going to pay the lawyer fee for 2200, but I could be wrong. So it's in your interest to call them and work something out.
If they say they can't be called back, I would hang up.

I'm sorry you went to an ER when you had pain for a month, instead of a walk-in clinic, which is much cheaper and in many cases, better for finding out what's wrong. Did you ever find out?

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I called walk in clinics, and I even went to a clinic that was supposed to go based on a sliding scale. I was supporting 2 people on the little bit that I was making, but they said I made too much, and the walk in clinics wouldn't work out a payment plan so it was my only option.

I still haven't been officially diagnosed, but I'm pretty sure that the issue is ovarian cysts.

Do not pay them until they take you to court and the. Judge orders a payment plan. Hospitals do not tell you to go to billing and apply for a grant. They should have.

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Originally Posted by N0help4u

Do not pay them until they take you to court and the. Judge orders a payment plan. Hospitals do not tell you to go to billing and apply for a grant. They should have.

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I totally agree with this suggestion.

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Originally Posted by tickle

I totally agree with this suggestion.

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I would also suggest no contact with them. Do not return phone calls and don't be intimidated by them

Well I applied for their financial aid program for those who can't afford it, and I was denied 3 times. But I do agree to let them take me to court because chances are they won't for that small of a debt. I hate collectors and their tactics!

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Originally Posted by helpimconfused

Well I applied for their financial aid program for those who can't afford it, and I was denied 3 times. But I do agree to let them take me to court because chances are they won't for that small of a debt. I hate collectors and their tactics!

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Yes, they can take you to small claims court. They are expert at intimidation though so will leave voice mails for you threatening attorney action. For the small period it is within the statute of limitations for this debt.

As noted before, let a judge give them a payment plan, which I am sure will be in your means, IF he gives them that. If you have copies of letters showing the intimidation then that is good to take with you. Document everything from here on..

Don't worry about this, worry makes you do things that will jeopardize the positive outcome.

Actually they might get a judgment. That's why they want you to call, so they don't have to pay legal fees and possibly never collect anyway, or garnish wages (which they can do, eventually). So it's taking a risk to ignore it. I don't think anyone can assure you what they will do one way or the other. $2200 is sort of borderline, I think.
You could have just paid the $25/mo instead of asking. That can forestall going to collections and then to court. You don't have to be present to get a judgment against you.

I HOPE you start a savings account for the walk-in clinic, which might have cost about $75 instead of $2200? You need a medical plan, fast. Many states have them and they are not well advertised. My state has one and I never hear about it on TV, newspapers, anywhere!

Many will sue for 2200, since many have attorneys on staff, so there is little extra cost.

The issue here is that, she can also go back to hospital and try to deal directly with them, unless collectons has bought debt.

Also, most hospitals have programs for those that can not pay,

The important fact we need are what the state wage garnishment law is. I wouldn't miss any court dates either because that's the last chance to make a deal. Or present what you can afford to a judge so get all your wage and financials in order.

Yes you can not miss any court date. Often once it goes to court they will drop some of the debt and settle for less. Until then avoid contact and do not pay a dime.

To reiterate - waiting for legal involvement will add thousands to the amount owed.
It's a risk you alone can decide to make.
They may do the lawyer/court/judgment, they may not.
Even after the judgment, there's another process for garnishment.
They know where you are, so that's not in your favor.