I was interning in another state, and during my second week, I came down with a bad sore throat and thought it might be strep. I went to urgent care, paid for the visit, and the rapid test came back negative. They said they’d send it to a lab for confirmation. I specifically asked (wish I had gotten it in writing) whether the lab test would cost more, and they assured me it wouldn’t. I paid the visit fee and left.
Once I got back home from my internship, I found a past due bill from that urgent care network at my old address. Can I just not pay it? I seriously doubt I’ll ever use that network again since it’s literally across the country, and I’m really frustrated that they didn’t disclose this information to me or at least didn’t know for sure and misled me. The bill is nearly $200, which is a big hit for a college student. Can I just say screw them?
I would not pay attention to it. I would insert what you wrote here. Usually, the back of a letter from collections has a space designated for a “dispute” section. After that, you probably won’t hear from them again, and the $200 charge shouldn’t appear on your credit report.
I see now; I’m new to this. Thank you. I also saw that:
The removal of delinquent medical collections with an initial balance of less than $500 from credit reports was announced by all three credit bureaus in April 2023.
Therefore, the main danger I face here is that I may not be able to access that clinic network which doesn’t exist anywhere close to me unless I pay that payment.
According to my experience, the practice staff shouldn’t give a damn once it’s sold to collections because, after being quoted a price, I’m fed up with hearing, “Oh, this isn’t a $60 co-pay like we told you twice, this is $3,000,” at which point I simply quit making payments. Additionally, I no longer want to sign the document that reads, in part, “we know we gave you a price, but we reserve the right to charge you anything we want after the fact.” Americans still put up with this, which is ridiculous because it would only be permitted in healthcare settings.)
There will probably be a negative impact on your credit score. It is likely necessary for you to attempt the convoluted process of challenging this with the hospital and/or your insurer. I have no jealousy towards you.
I take it that a debt of less than $500 won’t be visible?
origin
Equitax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three national credit reporting agencies, also eliminated all paid medical debts from consumer credit reports as well as debts that were less than a year old. Also, they have eliminated all medical collections that are less than $500. The final phase took effect on April 11, 2023, and it is predicted that almost half of the people whose medical debt appears on their reports will have it deleted from their credit history as a result of this change.
As a college student, definitely ask about their financial assistance program. Many places will wipe your debt if you can prove you’re unemployed and have no income. I did this several times for bills while I was employed, but when I became a student on Medicaid and unemployed, I told them I wouldn’t have a job for the next seven years and that I couldn’t pay. They were like, “Oh, okay,” and cleared my debt.
Some places can be stubborn, though, and will only offer “payment plans.” I told this dermatologist that I literally have NO MONEY for the next seven years. I asked why they’d put me on a payment plan if I can’t make the payments! They didn’t care and kept harassing me for $102. They’re never getting it, lol.
So, just cross your fingers and hope they’re understanding!
Don’t disregard it! Debts don’t just suddenly go away.
Don’t disregard it; instead, contest it and turn it in to your insurance.
Just as easy, they could send it to collections from where they are as opposed to if they were across the street.