Arkansas -- What would you do?

[Jimmy E]

I had an expensive medical procedure a couple of years ago – paid for by insurance.  Fast forward to today.  I was served with a complaint saying I owe the hospital some under $300.  This is the FIRST time I have been aware of this debt.  I honestly never remember receiving a bill, message, NOTHING, or I would have happily paid it.

The complaint, with attorney fees, filing fees, and server fees almost DOUBLES the bill to some under $600.  Should I just pay and be done with it, contact attorney to reach settlement, contact hospital accounting, or what?  The non-payment is not even reflected on my credit report!  I know the “didn’t get your bill” would not be believed even though it’s true.  Just on principle, I’d like to pay what I owe – but DOUBLE?!

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Jimmy

PS:  This 'collection' attorney filed the complaint in mid-June (along with 1000+ others in June).  I just got served Aug 2.

[wernda1234]

Hi @Jimmy E!

Debts incurred for medical services have a statute of limitations of 2 years from the date the service(s) was rendered or from the date in which the most partial payment was made (A.C.A. §16-56-106)

Is the debt still in SOL?

[Jimmy E]

1 minute ago, wernda1234 said:

Hi @Jimmy E!

Debts incurred for medical services have a statute of limitations of 2 years from the date the service(s) was rendered or from the date in which the most partial payment was made (A.C.A. §16-56-106)

Is the debt still in SOL?

 

Hey @wernda1234  Thanks for the fast reply.  The timing of their filing a complaint makes sense now.  My 'service' was in Nov 2019, so within a few months of the SOL.

Interestingly, after my original post, I looked back and saw I had paid hundreds of dollars over the years to them for whatever insurance did not cover.  SO, there is precedent of my having no problem paying them.  I just did not EVER get a bill from them for this one!  Strange.  

Thanks again!

Jimmy  

 

[WhoCares1000]

If you have copies of the other bills and proof that you paid the bills, go through them and see if the same procedure is on one of those bills. If it is, you file your answer and as an affirmative defense, you file accord and satisfaction. If you cannot find that procedure, I would file with an answer that I don't the debt because I was never informed of the debt to begin with and show all the bills that did come to you and proof of payment. However, once the answer is filed, I would contact the attorney and tell them that you are willing to settle for the original $300 to avoid all the legal fees. My bet is that they will take it once you answer because they would have to prove that they sent you the bill in the first place.