Medical Bill Payments: Can I change the amount I am paying without legal problems?

[ccgspalding]

Husband had surgery a little over a year ago. Could not pay amount in full at the time. Made arrangements over the phone with the hospital. At the time we could afford the payment. Since then, my husband lost his job, but had recently found a new one paying him over $800.00 a month less than what he was making. Can I change the amount I am paying without legal problems. I was told as long as we are paying something, there is nothing the hospital can do legally. Please help. These payments are putting me in the poor house.

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that your husband have to pay the amount as per his payment plan. In this regard if your husband pay below the minimum payments as required under the re payment schedule then he may be held liable for breach of contract. Your husband may pay the lower amount after taking permission from hospital. He may renegotiate payment terms and pay accordingly.

AFF

Originally Posted by ccgspalding Husband had surgery a little over a year ago. Could not pay amount in full at the time. Made arrangements over the phone with the hospital. At the time we could afford the payment. Since then, my husband lost his job, but had recently found a new one paying him over $800.00 a month less than what he was making. Can I change the amount I am paying without legal problems. I was told as long as we are paying something, there is nothing the hospital can do legally. Please help. These payments are putting me in the poor house.

Have you considered calling the billing department at the hospital and negotiating a revised payment plan?

That would really be your first option. They should work with you to come up with a payment that is agreeable to both sides.