What to do with over $20K worth of hospital bills in collections - graduate student

[HookEm05]

Hey guys,

New to the forums, but I've been lurking around reading a lot on how credit reporting works and information about hospital bills in collection.  My situation is that a few years ago I was in and out of hospitals and other specialists for about 7-8 months for a medical condition.  I had insurance throughout this time period, but I still racked up over $20,000 worth of hospital bills that I wasn't able to pay because I was in college, had no job (relied on financial aid to get me through), and my parents didn't make enough to help cover the hospital expenses along with their own living expenses.  I am now graduated, but going to a professional school in the fall so I still won't have a source of income other than financial aid, to maybe PFD some of them.  The accounts in collection range anywhere between a little over 2 years old to less than a year.  

As I understand it, the damage was already done when the accounts went into collection, therefore I am wondering what steps I can take to start rebuilding credit?  I am thinking of applying for a secured credit card to get me started on this path.  What other recommendations would you guys recommened?  I don't want my credit to still be tanked after I graduate from my professional school and get a job, only to encounter troubles when trying to obtain auto loans, mortage loans, or even approval for other things that require credit worthiness.

Any advice is highly appreciated, thank you!

[VinnyVee]

In my recovery efforts, I've been working on PFD. It seems to help the most when you get a success with it. From what I've read it also seems using DV letters can help clear a lot of stuff hope. I personally think starting with the DV would be a good first step. Then anything that gets validated, offer PFD. Do it in writing... I wish I'd learned this before I started cleaning up my credit... I'm in the middle of a struggle with one company that keeps giving me the run around. Although I did luck out pretty well with CMRE.

[gdale6]

I would Google the HIPAA Process and contact its creator for help with these. We cannot discuss it on this board. Good luck

[fishbjc]

The hospital should have set you up with the department who can help you with your income vs medical debt.

Research the HIPPA process and follow the instructions.

[xaiduz114]

---

@gdale6 wrote:

I would Google the HIPAA Process and contact its creator for help with these. We cannot discuss it on this board. Good luck

---

---

@fishbjc wrote:

The hospital should have set you up with the department who can help you with your income vs medical debt.

Research the HIPPA process and follow the instructions.

---

 +1 on these. Google the HIPAA process and you should find what will help you.

[Shogun]

I'm going to second the HIPAA comments, but I want to put something else in there.  You say you were a student, did you contact the hospital and ask for help with this?  There are certain ones that will help you, or even do a charitable write off of some of it.