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Medical Bills
Healthcare costs are the highest they've ever been, hitting many in Spokane. Although local medical providers like Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and MultiCare Rockwood Clinic are known for providing excellent care, even basic procedures can lead to serious medical debt.
Fortunately, you do not have to compromise your health to pay your medical bills. Our medical debt relief attorneys are here to explore legal options to reduce your medical debt. Whether you're in Browne's Addition or near Riverfront Park, our Spokane-based team knows how to get you relief. Call our Spokane County offices to learn more.
Are There Legal Options To Get Rid Of My Medical Debt?Yes, you have legal options in Spokane County to relieve your medical debt, including:
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: Federal law (11 U.S. Code § 727) allows for the complete discharge of medical bills under Chapter 7 if you qualify.
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: If Chapter 7 isn't an option, you can reorganize your debt under Chapter 13 (11 U.S. Code § 1322) and set up a 3- to 5-year repayment plan.
- Debt Settlement: If bankruptcy isn't right for you, we can help negotiate a reduction in medical debt with your creditors, creating a payment plan that fits your budget.
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs): A credit counseling agency will consolidate your debts into a DMP, which has one payment with lower interest rates, making repayment more manageable.
- Medical Debt Forgiveness: Some Spokane hospitals offer financial assistance programs to lower medical bills for low-income residents.
- Medical Credit Cards: If you used a medical credit card, you may be able to transfer the balance to one with better terms.
- Negotiation: Under Spokane's consumer protection laws (RCW 19.144), creditors must treat you fairly during negotiations. We'll work to get you a fair deal.
Call our Spokane County law offices, and we'll help you determine which option is right for your medical debt.
How Can A Spokane Attorney Help Me Reduce My Medical Debt?Our Spokane attorneys specialize in medical debt relief. One of the things we can do is review your medical bills and find legal ways to reduce the total amount you owe, including:
- Find Medical Billing Errors: We'll take a close look at your medical bills to spot any mistakes, like duplicate charges, incorrect rates, or services you didn't receive. Washington State law (RCW 19.16.250) requires healthcare providers to stick to fair billing practices. If we find errors, we'll work to get them fixed and protect you from unfair charges.
- Challenge Illegal Charges: If medical providers bill you for services you didn't receive or didn't authorize, we can challenge those charges. Certain deceptive billing practices are illegal under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- Review Insurance Gaps: We can assess your health insurance policy to find gaps in coverage that may have led to unexpected medical costs. Washington State's Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) ensures your insurance company provides transparent information about what is covered.
- Negotiate Payment Plans: If you need help negotiating a more manageable payment plan, we can work with your providers. Federal law (11 U.S. Code § 1322) allows for debt restructuring as part of the bankruptcy process if you are facing overwhelming medical bills.
- Help with Medical Debt Settlement: In cases where bankruptcy isn't necessary, we can negotiate a settlement with your medical providers to reduce your overall debt. Washington State's debt collection laws (RCW 19.16) protect you from aggressive tactics during these negotiations.
- Investigate Misapplied Payments: We'll also make sure creditors apply any payments to your medical bills correctly. Under the FDCPA, creditors must accurately report payments and provide clear, detailed statements. If we find any discrepancies, we'll work to have them corrected.
Our Spokane-based attorneys will help you identify errors, challenge unfair charges, and explore legal solutions at both the state and federal levels to reduce your medical debt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Medical Debt Relief In SpokaneQ: What should I do if I have both medical debt and other types of debt?
A: If you have a lot of debt, bankruptcy may help you eliminate all of it, not just your medical bills. Under 11 U.S. Code § 523(a)(10), medical debt is typically considered dischargeable in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
Q: Can my doctor or hospital sue me for unpaid medical bills after bankruptcy?
A: No. After you file for bankruptcy, the Spokane courts will discharge your medical debt. Creditors, including medical providers, can no longer legally collect on those debts. 11 U.S. Code § 524(a) prevents any further legal action, including lawsuits.
Q: Will my health insurance company get involved if I file for bankruptcy in Washington State?
A: No, filing for bankruptcy will not impact your health insurance coverage. Health insurance companies are not part of the bankruptcy process. We'll work to include any outstanding medical bills in your bankruptcy, and those bills will not follow you after your discharge. Your health insurance remains unaffected, as it is separate from the bankruptcy process.
Q: How long does it take to discharge medical debt through bankruptcy?
A: In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the process typically takes around 3 to 6 months from your bankruptcy filing in Spokane to discharge under 11 U.S. Code § 727. In Chapter 13, your repayment plan may last 3 to 5 years under 11 U.S. Code § 1322, but once you complete the plan, any medical debt included will be discharged.
Q: Can I still get medical care after filing for bankruptcy in Spokane?
A: Yes, absolutely! Filing for bankruptcy will not impact your ability to receive medical care. You will continue to see your doctors, use your health insurance, and receive any medical treatments you need after filing for bankruptcy.
Q: Can I file for bankruptcy if my medical bills are in collections?
A: Yes. Filing for bankruptcy can stop further collection efforts and eliminate the debt even when your medical bills are in collections. When you file for bankruptcy, the automatic stay under 11 U.S. Code § 362 goes into effect, halting creditor harassment and collection actions, including those from medical bill collectors.
Our Attorneys Help You Get Legal Medical Debt Relief In Spokane
If you have overwhelming medical debt, our Spokane law offices are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options for debt relief. Let us guide you through the process with our local expertise and compassionate approach.
