If I have a medical bill from a major hospital and want to arrange a payment schedule, can I be made to sign a contract regarding this?
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If I have a medical bill from a major hospital and want to arrange a payment schedule, can I be made to sign a contract regarding this?
Since my insurance did not pay the entire bill I wanted to arrange a payment plan.The hospital informed me that they would allow a monthly payment but I would have to sign a legally binding contract.And that if I passed away they could go after my estate or I guess they could go after my family members to pay the bill.I have never experienced this before and have had bills from other hospitals that allowed a monthly payment but did not have to sign a contract? I have good credit and I just wanted to know if this is legal to demand that I sign a contract or the bill would go to collections if I would not agree to these terms. I would appreciate any advice you could give me.
Asked on June 30, 2015 under Bankruptcy Law, Maryland
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
It is voluntary to enter into a payment plan--the creditor (i.e. the hospital) does not need to agree to let you pay over time. Since it is voluntary on their part, they may put any limitations or terms or conditions on it that they like, such as that you will enter into a contract or agreement with them regarding repayment. In fact, payment plans are commonly or normally reflected by and memorandized in written agreements--it is unusual that you have not encountered that before. If you do not sign their agreement, they could put you into collections and/or sue you for the money.
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