threatening to start collection actions

[tcrenshaw]

I have several medical bills. I am paying each office or doctor $10.00 a month. Can they still threaten to start collection actions?

[Michele]

If they did not agree to accept the $10 a month they can still refer you to collections.  It is a myth that "as long as I'm making payments they can't send me to collections."

[DMK]

But don't stop paying.  When the collections people call, you can tell them that you've been consistently making payments and they shouldn't hassle you.

[PMRNC]

If they did not agree to accept the $10 a month they can still refer you to collections.  It is a myth that "as long as I'm making payments they can't send me to collections."

Actually there is a little more to it..   IF you make those $10 payments and IF they cash those checks, that is an agreement to accept it. The moment you are late or the payment decreases the clock begins to tick again.  So for example, if you have a $500 bill and you pay $10 on the 15th of the month, and they cash that check, they have agreed to accept your payment. The following month, however if you do not send the same amount or it's later, they can then choose to go forward with collection actions. http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpa/fdcpact.shtm

[tcrenshaw]

Thank you everyone for you answers. To PMRNC - that explains it... everyone has been cashing the payments, then last month I was late. So far only one Doc. has sent the collection letter. I hope he is the only one. Thanks again... have a wonderful day!

[PMRNC]

Go to that link I posted. If you in good faith are trying, there are more rules to protect the consumer than the business/provider. Even if you were late, if you sent the payment in and they cashed it, again they have accepted your payment. Know your rights as a consumer. Being a dead beat is one thing, but in this economy when someone is making a good faith effort, the law is on your side.

[Michele]

Thanks Linda!  You learn something new every day!  I didn't know that by cashing the check that was agreeing on the provider's side.  Very interesting.  I love to learn!