Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Oregon

I have been making $20 payment every month for each of my many medical bills. I phoned to make arrangements, all except one medical co. was willing to work with me. They insisted I pay $200 each month, Im on a fixed income so that would be impossible, consisdering I have many other medical bills to pay. I tried to talk to all levels of staff to try to work this out. They were rude, sent my bill to collections now $9 is added each month to the bill. Can they do that? as I have not missed a payment, they accepted my $20 each month.

I just received a letter from this medical organization that I will be refused service at any of their medical facilities....can they do that??? I intend to pay and have not missed paying can they really do this??


Asked on 10/03/10, 7:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Justin Baxter Baxter & Baxter, LLP

A medical provider in Oregon is generally not obligated to accept anything less than the full amount of the bill for services, plus any charges, fees or interest that were provided for in the original service agreement. Many health care providers will, however, agree to payment plans or reduced payments. If the health care provider agrees to this, you should get it in writing. You are then bound by the terms of that agreement. However, if the provider does not agree, then you cannot compel them to accept the proposed monthly payment, and you may be responsible for interest and charges.

If you are being contacted by a collection agency, its conduct is regulated by the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The credit card company is regulated by a similar law in Oregon called the Unlawful Debt Collection Practices Act. If your total debt picture, including medical bills and other debts, is such that you cannot reasonably expect to pay your debts, bankruptcy may be a good option to consider.

Justin M. Baxter

Baxter & Baxter, LLP

8835 SW Canyon Lane, Suite 130

Portland, Oregon 97225

(503) 297-9031 (Telephone)

(503) 291-9172 (Facsimile)

Baxter & Baxter, LLP

5635 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300

Hillsboro, Oregon 97124, USA

(503) 681-9752 (Telephone)

(503) 291-9172 (Facsimile)

Baxter & Baxter, LLP

1101 Broadway Street, Suite 213

Vancouver, Washington 98660

(360) 574-5239 (Telephone)

(360) 326-1613 (Facsimile)

http://www.baxterlaw.com

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Answered on 10/12/10, 7:34 am


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