Thing is, I had to rush to the hospital less than a month after I landed. Did not have insurance then so now Ive got a big bill on my heads and deciding whether to pay it or let it go at one of those peanut monthly payments.
Hi,
You should call them up and explain your situation, that you cannot make the payment upfront. They might offer an installment payment plan or something you can afford, but still have to pay. Unfortunately ignoring won't help. They will get to you using Debt Collectors, and if i am correct, you are in Texas? Not a very friendly state in these matters, plus they might get back to you after a 10-12 months.
I needed some emergency care, so needed X-rays done. I had insurance (as it was required for all international students, by law) and while at the hospital i didn't pay anything, anything above $100 was covered by insurance, but there was this bill of $58 which insurance did not cover since it was less $100. This bill came in my mail about 9 months after the treatment (they took long to trace me of course), i knew i had to pay it, but i ignored and then one day i get a call on my cell number from a debt collection agency that i have some amount due that i needed to pay. All the usual threatening stuff, but they made it clear that if don't pay, not only can they pursue the case in court but make a dent on my credit rating, which as you know, is very important if you plan on living in USA in the future.
And this was all for just $58.....so if they are determined to get the money from you, they will find you. No point in screwing up your credit rating.
So talk to them nicely and try to negotiate a deal.
