What Happens if You Don’t Pay Medical Bills in California?
Medical bills can be expensive and sometimes difficult to pay. If you don’t pay your medical bills in California, you could be facing serious consequences. You can take steps to make sure that the medical bill is correctly calculated and that you get any available financial or necessary legal help. If you do nothing and don’t pay, you could be facing late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.
Late Fees and Interest
When you don’t pay your medical bills in California, you may be charged late fees and interest. Late fees can add up quickly and make it more difficult to pay the bill. Interest charges can also add up, making it more expensive to pay off the debt.
Debt Collection
If you don’t pay your medical bills in California, the medical provider may turn the debt over to a collection agency. The collection agency will then attempt to collect the debt from you. They may call you, send letters, or even take legal action.
Lawsuits
If you don’t pay your medical bills in California, the medical provider or collection agency may take legal action against you. This could include filing a lawsuit against you in court. If the court rules in favor of the medical provider or collection agency, you may be required to pay the debt plus any court costs.
Garnishments
If you don’t pay your medical bills in California, the medical provider or collection agency may take legal action to garnish your wages. This means that a portion of your wages will be taken out of your paycheck each month to pay the debt.
Lower Credit Scores
If you don’t pay your medical bills in California, it could have a negative impact on your credit score. This could make it more difficult to get a loan or credit card in the future.
It’s important to take action if you don’t pay your medical bills in California. You can contact the medical provider or collection agency to try to work out a payment plan. You can also contact a legal aid organization for help. Taking action now can help you avoid late fees, interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.
