Never received bill, sent to collections

[foxxy_usa]

I am being contacted by a collection agency for an unpaid medical bill that I NEVER received. (North Carolina)

I contacted the original creditor. Turns out they mailed it to the correct street address but DID NOT include the apartment number. They claim the bill was NOT sent back to them as "return to sender", so they turned it over to collections.

I would like to know if I am obligated to pay the collection fee even though I never received the bill.

Also, if I pay the original debt and not the collectors fee, will this hurt my credit? And if so, how much?

No normally you are not responsible for those extra fees!

Offer to pay the bill (which frankly you knew you had to pay)...but not the penalties for their failure to bill correctly. Take them to small claims if need be.