Everett is home to some of the best medical care in Washington State. Providence Regional Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Everett to The Everett Clinic and Swedish Mill Creek are known across Washington for their quality of care. However, even with top-tier hospitals and ongoing efforts to reform healthcare and remove medical debt from credit reports, high medical bills are still overwhelming families across Snohomish County. Medical costs keep rising, and relief feels out of reach for too many people.
If you're one of our Everett neighbors with insurmountable medical debt, you're not out of options. Our Everett attorneys have spent the last 30 years helping people across Washington get out of medical debt. We know how stressful it is when your health leads to financial pressure. It's not fair, but it's not something you have to face alone. We'll fight to protect your rights, stop collection calls, and help you find a clear path to real financial relief.
What Does A Medical Debt Attorney Do?Medical bills can quickly get out of hand, especially if you've had an emergency or required extended care. If you're overwhelmed and unsure what to do next, we're here to step in and help. Here's how we make a difference:
From Everett's bustling healthcare district to small practices in Silver Lake, we've assisted residents across Snohomish County regain financial stability. If medical debt is overwhelming you, reach out today for a free consultation. We're here to help.
How Does An Everett Attorney Help Reduce Your Medical Debt?Medical debt can quickly become overwhelming, but an experienced Everett attorney can help you take control of your finances. Our Everett medical debt relief lawyers will:
From the waterfront homes near Mukilteo to the growing communities in Silver Firs and Pinehurst, we've helped Everett residents regain financial stability. If medical bills are keeping you up at night, let's talk about a plan to get you back on track. Reach out today for a free consultation.
What Are Some Common Medical Billing Errors?Medical billing mistakes can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but many patients don't realize they've been overcharged. Whether you received care at Providence Regional Medical Center, The Everett Clinic, or another provider in Snohomish County, it's important to check your bills for errors.
If something on your bill doesn't look right, don't ignore it. We've counseled Everett residents like you to successfully fight unfair medical charges. Let's review your bill and see how we can help. Reach out today for a free consultation.
We Answer Your Frequently Asked Medical Debt Relief QuestionsA: You may qualify for relief through bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. § 707(b) (Chapter 7) or 11 U.S.C. § 1322 (Chapter 13) or through Washington's Charity Care Law (RCW 70.170.060) if you meet income requirements. Our Everett attorneys can review your options.
A: Yes, under RCW 6.27.150, creditors can garnish up to 25% of their disposable wages if they obtain a court judgment. Our local Everett attorneys can help you file exemptions under RCW 6.15.010 or stop garnishment through legal action.
A: You can request an itemized bill and dispute errors under the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) or the federal Fair Credit Billing Act (15 U.S.C. § 1666). If your insurer is involved, you can file a formal complaint with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
A: Hospitals must provide emergency care under 42 U.S.C. § 1395dd, the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), but providers can deny non-emergency services. Washington State's RCW 70.170.060 also requires certain hospitals to offer charity care based on income.
A: You can respond to the lawsuit under Washington State Civil Rule CR 12, negotiate a settlement, or file for bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. § 362, which halts collections immediately. Our Everett attorneys can help you protect your assets and fight unfair claims.
Medical debt can push everything else aside. You've done what you can, but the bills keep coming. It's not right to have to choose between staying healthy and staying afloat. If you're overwhelmed, we're here to help you take control.
Our Everett bankruptcy attorneys have helped people across Washington State get out of crushing medical debt for 30 years. We know how to stop the calls, protect your rights, and help you find a way forward. Your health shouldn't wreck your credit or steal your sleep. Let's talk. The consultation is free.
Medical bills are possibly the easiest type of debt to wipe out in bankruptcy. Medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy. It is almost unheard of that medical providers would dispute anything about the discharge of a medical bill. The court system, creditors and attorneys are all very aware that medical debt, which often accompanies a loss of work due to injury or illness, can be financially devastating.
Medical debt is known as non-priority unsecured debt. That means it is the lowest priority to get paid in a bankruptcy. In most Chapter 7s, medical debt receives no payments. It is only in the rare case when property is taken from a debtor in a Chapter 7 that medical debt receives anything. In a Chapter 13, medical debt receives anything from 0 percent to 100 percent depending on income and, in some cases, property.
Some people would like to pay a favorite doctor voluntarily. There is nothing wrong with paying a doctor voluntarily after a discharge in bankruptcy. The discharge just makes it illegal for the doctor to try to collect, but you can pay the doctor if you want. It does create problems to favor any particular creditor before bankruptcy. If you pay a creditor, including a doctor, more than $600 within 90 days of filing a bankruptcy, the creditor can be sued so the debt is spread equally among all the creditors. Before filing a bankruptcy, you are discouraged from making preferential payments to any one creditor.
Most larger hospitals or health care providers will allow you to discharge a debt to them and continue to treat you. Some smaller offices may not want to continue to treat you if you discharge a debt to them.
If you have a lot of medical debt on your bankruptcy petition, be prepared to answer questions about whether you have been in an accident for which you could sue a person who is at fault. Even if you have not contacted an attorney, the trustee in your case can sue on your behalf. If you do have an attorney for an injury suit, you should discuss your plans to file bankruptcy with both your personal injury attorney and your bankruptcy attorney.