In good news for consumers, hospitals are showing more patience in collecting debts.
Hospitals used to lien people’s homes, levy bank accounts, and take heavy handed approaches to collecting debts. Then, people started getting upset. There have been lawsuits, including a class action case against a large hospital chain.
Hospitals have apparently learned. They are now not using such tactics in collecting debts.
If you are in the hospital and do not have health insurance, make sure you ask to apply for Medi-Cal or a county payor of last resort program. If you end up in collections, try to work with the hospital. Do not let them push you around.