Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Legality of Financial Disclosure Statement

I have a hospital bill that is due. I was contacted by a billing agency concerning this bill. Due to other hospital bills and general living expenses, I told them I could only afford to pay $10 a month. They said that this amount was unacceptable to the organization that the money is owed to. They then mailed a financial disclosure statement for me to fill out and return to determine if I qualify for a financial hardship. They want to know everything concerning my bank accounts, bills,rent, how much I spend on food and how much income I receive, cars that I own, etc. My question is this. Do I legally have to submit this information or do they have to accept what I can pay as long as I attempt to pay the bill consistantly?


Asked on 3/01/02, 6:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Teitell Richard K. Teitell, Esquire, P.C.

Re: Legality of Financial Disclosure Statement

Do not provide any information. They can use the info to obtain your assets. The hospital does not have to agree to accept a monthly payment. I suggest you ask what monthly amount the hospital will agree to. If that is acceptable to you get an agreement in writing from the hospital that there will be no adverse credit report made concerning you as long as you make timely payments under the agreement. Also, see if the hospital will reduce the charges to what it normally accepts if you had insurance coverage. Good luck!

Read more
Answered on 3/06/02, 11:36 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania