Need advice about medical billing.

[meluvja]

My husband had to do some very important medical tests and he nows has a bill of $1600.  Well, last April, I had to have an emergency surgery that took all of our life's savings.  (Our insurance sucks). 

So, I revceive the bill for my husband today and immediatly call them.

First off...they charged us a late fee because they sent the bill to the wrong address.  We had moved and I called them to change the address.  A month later, we hadn't received a bill, so I called again, just to find out that they never changed our address.  Then, my husband did his follow up appointment 2 weeks ago and found out they still hadn't changed the address.  How many times do I have to call these people? 

So, now there's a late fee that they won't remove, even though it's their fault. 

So, I tried to set up payment arrangements.  I am able to pay $100 a month for November thru January, and in February, I will have a huge bonus that will pay them off in full.  They refused to accept this!  They want $261 paid to them by November 30th.  Then, payments set at $200 a month.  Once all the bills come in, then I will have to start paying $280 a month (which should be Januarty). 

I told them I couldn't afford this and that I wouldn't be able to get my family Christmas.  They actually suggested to me to take my Christmas presents back to the store and pay them!  I don't understand why they won't work with me!  Every bill we ever received from them, I have paid in full, as soon as I got the bill.  So, why are they being so heartless now. 

Does anyone have any suggestions what I should do?  I have worked out a way to pay them, but it's going to be really, really hard on us.  If anything goes wrong, like the car breaking down, then we would be screwed.  And, Christmas is totally out the door. 

Please any advice will help.

[sexychica25]

coming from experience... they cant do anything to you but threaten to put in collection. i bet you what?? give them what you can, if they really want there money they will cash the check. if not and it does go to collection, dont worry about that and pay what you owe in full by feb. and tell them to kiss your ass. i promise you they wont turn down your money. 

[KYLIEAARONMOMMY]

if what you can afford to pay them is $100.00 a month, then give them that. They HAVE to accept it, because you are making an effort. They can not send you to collections if you are making an effort to pay them. If they call and harass you about paying more, then let them know that you know your rights and they can not harass you like that and you will contact a lawyer if they don't back off. Look up online for the laws in your state for bill collection laws. Make yourself aware of what they are allowed to say and do so you won't be hassled by them.