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This seriously can backfire, though. The hospitals where I lived... they took folks to collections. They would take you to court for a fairly low amount of money and garnish your wages. Sure, it takes longer, but they'll get their money. IIRC, in the state I lived in, they can take 25% of your pay as long as they leave you an amount equal to 30 hours at minimum wage.

It generally just takes years longer.

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How can you avoid the "backfire" of having to pay the whole bill? Just pay the whole bill straight away?

People should be honest and pay reasonable bills. But forcing collections and/or lawsuits is one way to put on display for everyone how bad our medical care charges can be.

I have had some issues getting sent to collections before I get any bill, or not sending me the right bill and still sending me to collections after I try to figure out what I actually owe.

I learned to just pay like $10 a month regardless of what happens. Then if insurance decides to pay for it I get it refunded or it's put towards my deductible. The clinic sees me "trying" to pay for my bill and don't send me to collections now.

I doubt it would work everywhere, but it's beyond frustrating.

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