Medical billing and collections can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with a health crisis. If you’re facing this situation, know that assistance is available, and we’re here to ensure fair treatment for you. Here’s what you can do:
Review Your Bills: Carefully examine your medical bills to ensure accuracy, as errors can occur. Check that the treatments listed are accurate and that your personal information, insurance details, and billing address are correct.
Know Your Protections: Understand the No Surprises Act, which offers protections for treatments received after January 1, 2022. This includes safeguards against unexpected bills for emergency services and ensures you receive a good-faith estimate of care costs upfront.
Explore Financial Assistance: If you’re unable to afford the bills, reach out to your medical care provider. Non-profit hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance programs, and other providers may be willing to arrange payment plans. Contact local social services for additional support.
Understand Debt Collection Practices: Debt collectors are limited in how they can contact you and what they can collect. They must verify the debt’s validity and comply with laws to prevent harassment or abusive practices. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information.
Avoid Scams: Be cautious of individuals or services promising to resolve your debt for a fee. Reputable credit counselors are transparent about their services and fees, without pressuring you.
Submit Complaints: If you believe your rights are being violated, you can file complaints with relevant agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Address Coercive Credit Reporting: Debt collectors cannot report medical bills to credit agencies without attempting to collect the debt first. You have the right to dispute any inaccuracies on your credit report.
Stay Informed: Keep up with changes in medical billing and collections practices. The CFPB regularly publishes reports and bulletins addressing these issues to protect consumers’ rights.
We’re committed to addressing concerns surrounding medical debt and ensuring fair treatment for consumers. Our efforts include reminding debt collectors and credit reporting companies of their legal obligations and advocating for changes to improve the system. Together, we can navigate these challenges and work towards fairer practices in medical billing and collections.
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