Medical bills and deportation threat.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

So is it ok not to pay the hospital bill? Won't affect the credit score at all?

[Avery Cates 1,141]

I wasn't sure where to post this topic. I'll get straight to the point.

In January I suffered complications during a pregnancy due to pre-existing health problems (we didn't think I could even get pregnant). I was sent to the University Health System hospital for a scan, which came back inconclusive. I voiced that I would like to go elsewhere as it was very clear by my rapidly deteriorating health that I couldn't continue with the pregnancy. They told me I HAD to return to the same hospital for more scans, saying that I couldn't have an abortion until they knew what was going on and made out that Planned Parenthood (where I had suggested I go) would not check for ectopic pregnancies before carrying out an abortion. They kept scaring me into coming back by telling me different things might be wrong, but they assured me that my hospital bills would only come to $100-$150 per visit after I explained that I wasn't a US Citizen yet and had no personal income. After my fist visit I received a call in the middle of the night telling me I needed to come back immediately, only for me to arrive at the hospital and for the nurses to tell me they didn't know who had called me or why but they HAD to perform another scan to be on the safe side. I eventually got my bills which were for $900 per visit (I visited 3 times, one of which I strongly objected to and the other being the unscheduled visit after receiving the call in the middle of the night). Throughout each visit I was sobbing and telling them that I suffer from panic disorder, that I was in agony and that I needed some kind of help for the crippling pain and sickness or that I would need to go elsewhere and get treatment but they would not do anything for me other than keep telling me I NEEDED to come back to the hospital in case it was something serious. I kept telling them that I had a pre-existing health problem that meant that if I were to somehow get pregnant that it would put me at risk of severe pain, fever and sickness, but this wasn't enough for them apparently! I was asked to come back for a 4th appointment but instead I refused and went to Planned Parenthood where I found out that I had lost over 15lbs in weight over the past 10 days, had a regular uterine pregnancy but that the fetus wasn't doing well and, due to my pre-existing health risks, I was right in thinking that I needed an abortion. After recovering I visited the Patient Relations department at the hospital to complain about the bills being $800 more than I was quoted per visit and to address the fact that I had scare tactics used upon me so that I would return to the hospital for appointments that I didn't wish to attend. On top of that, I had to endure a surgical abortion as opposed to a medical one thanks to them wasting my time whilst refusing to offer me any kind of treatment despite me being in absolute agony and completely unable to walk, eat or sleep. I made it clear, however, that I would be willing to pay the maximum $150 that I was quoted per visit.

Four months later my case is still being disputed yet I am receiving calls from debt collectors. I contacted the lady at the hospital who took my case but who hasn't ever gotten back to me when she said she would over the course of these past 4 months, and in the end she told me she wasn't actually doing anything for me, that I had to pay the bills in full and that if I continued disputing them then I would be deported back to the UK, despite me being in the Adjustment of Status process. I am now taking the case up with an attorney, and filing a complaint against the representative who took my case for threatening me with deportation if I don't pay every cent of my unreasonable hospital bills.

My question is, will doing this actually put me at any kind of risk with regards to my green card? These last few months have been a complete nightmare. We were billed waaaaay more than we were told to expect, and now I'm being threatened with deportation if I don't pay up exactly how much they're billing me for, no matter how unreasonable? I didn't even receive any treatment from the hospital! I just want to get this all sorted out so we can move on with our lives and mourn our loss in peace.

Haha I would love to be your lawyer.

A private hospital can do nothing to deport you, and threatening you with it... well...

Payday!

[lizzy33 2]

Ah, I was hoping it was for all of them. Just a tip, hospital debt collectors tend to be more verbally aggressive as they cannot do anything but talk to you to reclaim the debt. It's not like a car which can be repossessed. One time I had an old medical bill with an outstanding balance that I had forgotten about and I got a call and the lady said "so you don't pay you're bills then?" and I said, "no, not this one" and she said "well we'll report it to your credit as a failure to pay" (just an fyi this is not possible) and I hung up on her. 2 years later it went off my credit report per the 7 year rule.

I don't have a bank account or any form of credit, so how could this affect me? My father-in-law is my co-sponsor so is there any way me not paying these bills will affect his credit?

[Avery Cates 1,141]

I don't have a bank account or any form of credit, so how could this affect me? My father-in-law is my co-sponsor so is there any way me not paying these bills will affect his credit?

It won't effect your father in law's credit.

If you gave them a Social Security number, it could, technically, be reported and you'd go from no credit history to a poor credit score, worst case.

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

Huh! Well I have health insurance now, but of course they won't cover any bills I received BEFORE I got health insurance. When I went to the hospital I told them (before they performed any scans or tests) that I didn't have health insurance and wouldn't be able to afford the bills if they were a lot, but they insisted that they would only be $150 so not to worry. I can't be the first person they've done this to... surely?

A few things come to mind - your USC half should have realized that hospitals are expensive, but else than that, report them as CaryH suggested, then:

- Contact the patient ombudsman (maybe known as patient care or relations) at the hospital you were at, explain the situation and explain exactly what you've said here

- Contact the joint commission if the ombudsman is not able to solve your problems http://www.jointcommission.org They take these things very seriously and will possibly audit the hospital over it

- If all else fails and you don't want to argue the case in court, you can make small payments each month on the bill. They must accept them.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

As to the medical bills, court is the answer.

As to being deported neither the hospital or the debt collectors can do anything to have you deported. You have not committed any crime.

If it were me the next time they called I would threaten them with a civil suit for your suffering due to their false threats to have you deported.

I would be suing them already...however, before you go there, was there any written paperwork of the 100-150/visit? Hopefully you have something in writing.

Was there any talk about medical insurance?? Asking because it almost seem like they knew you had no insurance and they were actually acting in a predatory manner. I'd be consulting a lawyer about all what happened.

Keep in mind as noted, this has absolutely zero relation to your immigration case.

As for the collectors, most states have consumer laws put in the book to stop collection companies harrassment. Look up your state. most often you can stop that with a certified letter.

One question, was all this before or after you were married? This is to determine whether you + husband are owners of the debt or just you.

If just you, I'd laugh in their faces; there is absolutely nothing they can do, other than report you to a credit bureau, which could have some impact later on as many companies today check credit when hiring you. If you + husband, there is a level of risk to your spouse credit as well.

I also think that there is a possible opening for a malpractice lawsuit to that hospital, espcially if your health was deteriorating and the planned parenthood folks have a recommendation that is significantly different to the hospitalm which seems to be the case. There is enough (IANAL though) for negligence I think.

Overall, I'd still check with a lawyer to understand your options. When you got treatment, you had to consent to it, and the consent forms usually have language that reflects a promise to pay, either by medical insurance or own pocket. It never has the actual amounts; that comes later. Not sure if you would have recourse, again, a lawyer is a must here.

[perfect 39]

With regard to the treatment by the debt collection agency - you should get resolution if you make a full report to CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU who oversees debt collectors. I had a major problem which I couldn not resolve despite trying for 6 months and within 2 weeks of my reporting to the CFPB it was resolved in my favor. http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

[Jon and Krissy 452]

In short:

They are making empty threats. Tell them to pound sand! Alternately, you could begin recording all calls from them immediately. Catch a threat like that on tape, you can sue them. Those would be some serious damages. There are statutory damages for debt collector harassment.

I wasn't sure where to post this topic. I'll get straight to the point.

In January I suffered complications during a pregnancy due to pre-existing health problems (we didn't think I could even get pregnant). I was sent to the University Health System hospital for a scan, which came back inconclusive. I voiced that I would like to go elsewhere as it was very clear by my rapidly deteriorating health that I couldn't continue with the pregnancy. They told me I HAD to return to the same hospital for more scans, saying that I couldn't have an abortion until they knew what was going on and made out that Planned Parenthood (where I had suggested I go) would not check for ectopic pregnancies before carrying out an abortion. They kept scaring me into coming back by telling me different things might be wrong, but they assured me that my hospital bills would only come to $100-$150 per visit after I explained that I wasn't a US Citizen yet and had no personal income. After my fist visit I received a call in the middle of the night telling me I needed to come back immediately, only for me to arrive at the hospital and for the nurses to tell me they didn't know who had called me or why but they HAD to perform another scan to be on the safe side. I eventually got my bills which were for $900 per visit (I visited 3 times, one of which I strongly objected to and the other being the unscheduled visit after receiving the call in the middle of the night). Throughout each visit I was sobbing and telling them that I suffer from panic disorder, that I was in agony and that I needed some kind of help for the crippling pain and sickness or that I would need to go elsewhere and get treatment but they would not do anything for me other than keep telling me I NEEDED to come back to the hospital in case it was something serious. I kept telling them that I had a pre-existing health problem that meant that if I were to somehow get pregnant that it would put me at risk of severe pain, fever and sickness, but this wasn't enough for them apparently! I was asked to come back for a 4th appointment but instead I refused and went to Planned Parenthood where I found out that I had lost over 15lbs in weight over the past 10 days, had a regular uterine pregnancy but that the fetus wasn't doing well and, due to my pre-existing health risks, I was right in thinking that I needed an abortion. After recovering I visited the Patient Relations department at the hospital to complain about the bills being $800 more than I was quoted per visit and to address the fact that I had scare tactics used upon me so that I would return to the hospital for appointments that I didn't wish to attend. On top of that, I had to endure a surgical abortion as opposed to a medical one thanks to them wasting my time whilst refusing to offer me any kind of treatment despite me being in absolute agony and completely unable to walk, eat or sleep. I made it clear, however, that I would be willing to pay the maximum $150 that I was quoted per visit.
Four months later my case is still being disputed yet I am receiving calls from debt collectors. I contacted the lady at the hospital who took my case but who hasn't ever gotten back to me when she said she would over the course of these past 4 months, and in the end she told me she wasn't actually doing anything for me, that I had to pay the bills in full and that if I continued disputing them then I would be deported back to the UK, despite me being in the Adjustment of Status process. I am now taking the case up with an attorney, and filing a complaint against the representative who took my case for threatening me with deportation if I don't pay every cent of my unreasonable hospital bills.

My question is, will doing this actually put me at any kind of risk with regards to my green card? These last few months have been a complete nightmare. We were billed waaaaay more than we were told to expect, and now I'm being threatened with deportation if I don't pay up exactly how much they're billing me for, no matter how unreasonable? I didn't even receive any treatment from the hospital! I just want to get this all sorted out so we can move on with our lives and mourn our loss in peace.

[moroccogirlny 100]

Is it a private or non-profit hospital? Most hospitals have a sliding scale fee for those without insurance/income. They can't deport you for not paying. You can offer to pay $5 a month, which, by law they would have to accept.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Thanks for your response! The guy I spoke to from the collection agency was very nice and willing to help us. He spoke to his supervisor to ask what would be the best course of action and we agreed to pay for the amount we were quoted, as we have agreed to do all along, and he was completely fine with that. I'll contact the billing department next to see if they have any clue as to what's going on with our case, seeing as Gloria is about as helpful as a wet sock.

All I can say is watch out...those 'nice' people are gathering information that could (and I'm almost certain they will) use it against you. As far as I know, the 'nice' stops once they have all the info about you they need to establish a legal course of action.

I wouldn't be talking to them before checking with a lawyer.

[lizzy33 2]

I would be suing them already...however, before you go there, was there any written paperwork of the 100-150/visit? Hopefully you have something in writing.

Was there any talk about medical insurance?? Asking because it almost seem like they knew you had no insurance and they were actually acting in a predatory manner. I'd be consulting a lawyer about all what happened.

Keep in mind as noted, this has absolutely zero relation to your immigration case.

As for the collectors, most states have consumer laws put in the book to stop collection companies harrassment. Look up your state. most often you can stop that with a certified letter.

One question, was all this before or after you were married? This is to determine whether you + husband are owners of the debt or just you.

If just you, I'd laugh in their faces; there is absolutely nothing they can do, other than report you to a credit bureau, which could have some impact later on as many companies today check credit when hiring you. If you + husband, there is a level of risk to your spouse credit as well.

I also think that there is a possible opening for a malpractice lawsuit to that hospital, espcially if your health was deteriorating and the planned parenthood folks have a recommendation that is significantly different to the hospitalm which seems to be the case. There is enough (IANAL though) for negligence I think.

Overall, I'd still check with a lawyer to understand your options. When you got treatment, you had to consent to it, and the consent forms usually have language that reflects a promise to pay, either by medical insurance or own pocket. It never has the actual amounts; that comes later. Not sure if you would have recourse, again, a lawyer is a must here.

We got nothing in writing, which really sucks. I wish we had.

It was after we got married.

Is it a private or non-profit hospital? Most hospitals have a sliding scale fee for those without insurance/income. They can't deport you for not paying. You can offer to pay $5 a month, which, by law they would have to accept.

It was a University Health System hospital. We purposely went to the ExpressMed Clinic across the street in case they referred me to a hospital, because we had heard it was cheap. OBVIOUSLY NOT!

[TheCaptain 67]

Correct me if I am wrong but if the company doesn't have a SSN to report the debt against isn't it pointless them trying to chase? I possibly think they don't have any ability to escalate it any further and that's why they are trying so hard to get the money?

[lizzy33 2]

Correct me if I am wrong but if the company doesn't have a SSN to report the debt against isn't it pointless them trying to chase? I possibly think they don't have any ability to escalate it any further and that's why they are trying so hard to get the money?

I really hope that is true.

Like I said, I have absolutely no issue paying the $100-$150 they quoted me. Heck, I'll even pay $150 for the appointment they scared me into coming to that I didn't NEED to come to. I'm just not going to pay $800 more than that if that's not what I was quoted. If they had told me $900 upfront I would have crawled straight out of the door and gone directly to Planned Parenthood. I only went to the hospital because that was where I was sent.

[Karam and Jamie 44]

I wasn't sure where to post this topic. I'll get straight to the point.

In January I suffered complications during a pregnancy due to pre-existing health problems (we didn't think I could even get pregnant). I was sent to the University Health System hospital for a scan, which came back inconclusive. I voiced that I would like to go elsewhere as it was very clear by my rapidly deteriorating health that I couldn't continue with the pregnancy. They told me I HAD to return to the same hospital for more scans, saying that I couldn't have an abortion until they knew what was going on and made out that Planned Parenthood (where I had suggested I go) would not check for ectopic pregnancies before carrying out an abortion. They kept scaring me into coming back by telling me different things might be wrong, but they assured me that my hospital bills would only come to $100-$150 per visit after I explained that I wasn't a US Citizen yet and had no personal income. After my fist visit I received a call in the middle of the night telling me I needed to come back immediately, only for me to arrive at the hospital and for the nurses to tell me they didn't know who had called me or why but they HAD to perform another scan to be on the safe side. I eventually got my bills which were for $900 per visit (I visited 3 times, one of which I strongly objected to and the other being the unscheduled visit after receiving the call in the middle of the night). Throughout each visit I was sobbing and telling them that I suffer from panic disorder, that I was in agony and that I needed some kind of help for the crippling pain and sickness or that I would need to go elsewhere and get treatment but they would not do anything for me other than keep telling me I NEEDED to come back to the hospital in case it was something serious. I kept telling them that I had a pre-existing health problem that meant that if I were to somehow get pregnant that it would put me at risk of severe pain, fever and sickness, but this wasn't enough for them apparently! I was asked to come back for a 4th appointment but instead I refused and went to Planned Parenthood where I found out that I had lost over 15lbs in weight over the past 10 days, had a regular uterine pregnancy but that the fetus wasn't doing well and, due to my pre-existing health risks, I was right in thinking that I needed an abortion. After recovering I visited the Patient Relations department at the hospital to complain about the bills being $800 more than I was quoted per visit and to address the fact that I had scare tactics used upon me so that I would return to the hospital for appointments that I didn't wish to attend. On top of that, I had to endure a surgical abortion as opposed to a medical one thanks to them wasting my time whilst refusing to offer me any kind of treatment despite me being in absolute agony and completely unable to walk, eat or sleep. I made it clear, however, that I would be willing to pay the maximum $150 that I was quoted per visit.

Four months later my case is still being disputed yet I am receiving calls from debt collectors. I contacted the lady at the hospital who took my case but who hasn't ever gotten back to me when she said she would over the course of these past 4 months, and in the end she told me she wasn't actually doing anything for me, that I had to pay the bills in full and that if I continued disputing them then I would be deported back to the UK, despite me being in the Adjustment of Status process. I am now taking the case up with an attorney, and filing a complaint against the representative who took my case for threatening me with deportation if I don't pay every cent of my unreasonable hospital bills.

My question is, will doing this actually put me at any kind of risk with regards to my green card? These last few months have been a complete nightmare. We were billed waaaaay more than we were told to expect, and now I'm being threatened with deportation if I don't pay up exactly how much they're billing me for, no matter how unreasonable? I didn't even receive any treatment from the hospital! I just want to get this all sorted out so we can move on with our lives and mourn our loss in peace.

Email the Attorney General too about the harrassment and threats about the bills

[sharda 8]

That's is true you owe the hospital and not the collection agency however if you read the fine prints on the bill it stated if you fail to pay you will be subjected to collection ; however making treats about deportation is in appropriate to request the collection agency to stop calling you need to send a written notice advicing them to stop . Receiving collection calls is not a harassment because it is the collection act it' is considered collection activity but once a cease and desist notice is send the calls should stop . The laws for each state is different . Hope this helps you.

Licensed Collection Officer