r/debtfree • u/Embarrassed-Net-5072 • 9d ago

Medical Debt Collection Help

Hello,

I need some guidance regarding a medical debt that is about 4 years old. It is a bill for $1000.

I realized last year at this time it was showing on my credit report as going to a debt collector.

In November or December I reached out just to get a statement of the debt. I don’t believe I said anything that would implicate that I accept the debt, etc. I tried to be as vague as possible.

The collector calls me about once or twice a month at most and leaves the same stock/vague message.

What they sent me was a bill that was very basic. It literally was one line with the medical facility, what I owed and that was it. Honestly it was so poorly printed I could barely tell what the letter said.

What I don’t want to happen is for this to go to a law firm and end up as a legal issue.

So my questions are -

Should I ask for an actual itemized statement? What they sent me seems insufficient.

Ultimately I want to negotiate this down to a small settlement. I am thinking of offering $250 as a lump sum payment and then end up around 350 - 500. If they take 250 great, but I understand this is a stretch.

My goal is I just want this done, but I want it done the right way.

My credit has already been dinged so the damage is done there.

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u/Blessed-one-Chemo 9d ago

Tell them you need to see an itemized explanation for the billing.

1

u/saysee23 9d ago

You reached out and got a statement - it doesn't matter if you accept it or not. The time for itemized has long passed.

Ignoring it doesn't make it go away. It's money you owe. That's why it's already showing on your credit.

You can offer to pay a lower amount, see what they accept.