Live data from Hacker News

When Medical Debt Collectors Decide Who Gets Arrested

features.propublica.org

1–10 of 233 posts

Re: When Medical Debt Collectors Decide Who Gets Arrested

#3
My life was ruined by badly done, and even worse ultimately unneeded surgery. That privilege initially cost me many thousands, along with career and insurance going away, and the subsequent struggle to survive since has cost multiples of that. My entire future billed away. For a time I was able to avoid collectors because of a significant savings a frugal life had left me, but as time goes on you have to choose between medical care and other basic needs unless you want to go into a deep financial hole at a time you have MORE financial need like the people in this article. As a former provider, as a patient advocate and activist, and now as a person on the edge, I never saw anyone get out of that hole and it terrifies me every single day.

I am constantly getting third and fourth party bills for huge amounts re things I did not consent to be sent away or billed externally. That's AFTER asking up front AND paying huge amounts for the primary service up front. These things come many months later and I can see one easily getting lost or not sent properly and me ending up in a massive legal battle over debt and summary judgements behind my back. Even with paranoid checking of old accounts and services they continue to mess it up and debts show up later. I was ruined by this country's medical business and ultimately it's going to be the cause of my death as I am at the limit of what I can handle in all regards. I tried to get out of the country for good to places I have lived and can get better healthcare, and have at least some quality of life with my remaining health and years, but ironically since I am so broken because of this experience it severely limits my options. I feel trapped and hopeless.

Re: When Medical Debt Collectors Decide Who Gets Arrested

#4
post #2

Highest prison population in the world by both per capita and total number, and people get thrown in jail because they can't pay their medical bills. How much more corrupt can this country get? What do we do when voting doesn't make a difference?

Get involved. Support local and regional elected officials or candidates that share your views on healthcare, the progressive movement is growing rapidly in the US for this very reason.

One of the biggest problems in American politics is that everyone is caught up in the blood sport that is Federal politics while not paying attention to what's going on in lower offices. Yes, healthcare is and will always be a Federal issue, but it's never too late to get involved in politics at any level.

Re: When Medical Debt Collectors Decide Who Gets Arrested

#5
post #2

Highest prison population in the world by both per capita and total number, and people get thrown in jail because they can't pay their medical bills. How much more corrupt can this country get? What do we do when voting doesn't make a difference?

As I read the OP they get thrown in jail for not appearing in court. Isn’t that very different?

Re: When Medical Debt Collectors Decide Who Gets Arrested

#7
post #2

Highest prison population in the world by both per capita and total number, and people get thrown in jail because they can't pay their medical bills. How much more corrupt can this country get? What do we do when voting doesn't make a difference?

As I read the OP they get thrown in jail for not appearing in court. Isn’t that very different?

If you dont have the money to pay bills how do you afford to get to court ?

Being poor is illegal ;)

Re: When Medical Debt Collectors Decide Who Gets Arrested

#9
> His friend bailed him out the next morning, but at the bond hearing, the judge granted the $500, minus court fees, to the hospital.

I know it's not the subject of this, but this sounds like it's probably illegal? He's seizing money that was supposed to be returned to someone other than the defendant.

Re: When Medical Debt Collectors Decide Who Gets Arrested

#10
post #2

Highest prison population in the world by both per capita and total number, and people get thrown in jail because they can't pay their medical bills. How much more corrupt can this country get? What do we do when voting doesn't make a difference?

Get involved. Support local and regional elected officials or candidates that share your views on healthcare, the progressive movement is growing rapidly in the US for this very reason. One of the biggest problems in American politics is that everyone is caught up in the blood sport that is Federal politics while not paying attention to what's going on in lower offices. Yes, healthcare is and will always be a Federal…

[deleted]
Post reply on HN