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Over 6.5% of your neighbors across Washington State are overwhelmed by medical debt. In King County, when the cost of living is already the highest in the state, medical expenses can push the average person over the edge. An unexpected emergency at UW Medicine Valley Medical Center or with providers near South Renton, Benson Hill, or the Highlands can be financially devastating. With medical costs only increasing every year, it's no surprise that a staggering 57% of Washington State residents report avoiding medical care because they cannot afford it.
If you're one of our many neighbors struggling with medical debt, don't skip medical care. You have other options. Under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(8), most medical debt is unsecured and dischargeable through bankruptcy. If collection agencies are harassing you or your wages are at risk of garnishment under RCW 6.27, our Renton bankruptcy attorneys can take action to relieve your medical debt immediately. We've spent 30 years helping clients across Washington State regain control of their finances.
Call today for a consultation with our Renton attorneys who specialize in medical bankruptcy. We'll review your legal options for free.
What Happens If I Do Not Pay My Medical Bills In Renton?If you have unpaid medical debt, you can face collections, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and even liens on your property. Here's what happens when medical bills go unpaid:
- Debt Sent To Collections: After 90 to 180 days, providers may send your debt to a collection agency, which can report it to credit bureaus under 15 U.S.C. § 1692.
- Credit Damage: Even though Washington State is considering removing medical debt from credit scores, unpaid bills stay on your credit for up to 7 years, according to federal law 15 U.S.C. § 1681c for now.
- Lawsuits and Wage Garnishment: Collection agencies in Renton frequently sue over unpaid medical bills. If they win, they can garnish up to 25% of your wages under RCW 6.27.150.
- Liens On Your Property: If you own a home in Fairwood, Benson Hill, or Kennydale, creditors can place a medical debt lien on your property under RCW 6.13.090.
Yes, Washington law provides several ways to reduce or eliminate medical debt, including:
- Hospital Charity Care Programs: Under RCW 70.170.060, non-profit hospitals like UW Medicine–Valley Medical Center in Renton must offer free or reduced-cost healthcare based on income.
- Debt Settlement: Many collection agencies accept lump-sum settlements for less than what you owe.
- Statute Of Limitations: Medical debt in Washington State has a 6-year statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.040, meaning if a creditor doesn't sue you within that time, they lose the right to collect.
- Bankruptcy Discharge: Filing Chapter 7 can wipe out medical bills completely, while Chapter 13 lets you repay over time with court protection under 11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(8).
If medical bills are overwhelming, filing for bankruptcy might be the right option. You should consider medical bankruptcy if:
- Your bills exceed your ability to pay.
- You're facing lawsuits or wage garnishment.
- You've exhausted other options like charity care, settlements, or payment plans.
If you're struggling to pay your medical bills, contact our King County lawyers for a free consultation to see if bankruptcy is right for you.
Answers To Your Top FAQs About Legal Medical Debt Relief In RentonQ: Can doctors refuse to treat me if I discharge medical debt in bankruptcy?
A: No. Under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1395dd), hospitals that accept Medicare must provide emergency treatment regardless of your ability to pay. However, private practices and elective care providers may choose not to provide non-emergency services if you have an unpaid balance with them.
Q: What happens if my medical bills are sent to collections in King County?
A: When you file for bankruptcy, collection agencies must stop all collection actions. If medical debt collectors continue contacting you, they are breaking the law under 15 U.S.C. § 1692, and you may have grounds for legal action.
Q: How does medical debt affect my credit?
A: Medical debt does impact your credit score, especially if it's in collections. However, collection agencies in Washington State must wait at least 180 days before reporting medical debt to credit bureaus per RCW 19.16.250. While bankruptcy can clear your credit report of medical debt, your bankruptcy filing itself will remain on your record for up to 10 years (Chapter 7) or seven years (Chapter 13).
Q: Can I protect my Renton home if I file for bankruptcy due to medical debt?
A: Yes, Washington State has homestead exemptions under RCW 6.13.030 that protect home equity from creditors in bankruptcy. Other exemptions apply to vehicles, retirement accounts, and household goods.
Q: Will bankruptcy erase medical bills from a King County lawsuit or judgment?
A: If a medical provider sues you and wins a judgment, Chapter 7 can discharge the debt. With the discharge, you can prevent wage garnishments and bank levies. However, Chapter 13 can be a better option if you want to protect your valuable assets.
Q: Can medical providers garnish my wages in Washington State?
A: Yes, but only after they win a lawsuit against you. Under RCW 6.27.150, creditors can garnish up to 25% of your disposable income unless the court discharges the debt in bankruptcy.
Q: Is there a limit on how much medical debt qualifies for bankruptcy in Renton?
A: No, there is no minimum or maximum amount of medical debt required to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. However, for Chapter 13 repayment plans, 11 U.S.C. § 109(e) limits unsecured debt (including medical bills) to $526,700 as of the latest federal adjustment.
Our Renton Attorneys Specialize In Medical Bill Relief
380,000 Washingtonians struggle with medical debt, and hospitals aren't always fair when collecting. While RCW 19.16 and the FDCPA state debt collectors must follow strict rules, that doesn't stop aggressive tactics. Filing for bankruptcy can eliminate medical bills and stop collection lawsuits. We've helped clients across Renton, from Benson Hill to Talbot Hill, break free from medical debt. Schedule a free consultation with our legal team today to explore your options.
