My story!

[Anonymous]

I'm an idiot...really!  Forever, I've believed that Student Loans didn't affect your credit score.  I have over 26, 120 day lates on my CR.  Last year I examined my report and found the 26 plus 120 day lates, several 30 day lates, a collections on 2 medical payments and high revolving credit lines.  My Fico was around 560.  Since, I've grown a little smarter due to SO. 

Over the last year or so I've refi my SL and haven't been late once in over a year.  I've auto payment on all Credit Cards, I paid down debt and opened 2 new lines of credit with 12000 available.  I did this to lower my credit to available credit ratio.  I'm around 20% and going down each month.  However,  I'm unsure what to do with my medical collections!  Yeah,  I could pay them back, but I've heard this can affect your score badly.  Today I received a call about settlement regarding both medical collections at payment of 50cent on the dollar, sounds good!  Yet, since I'm unsure of how to deal best with collections I didn't take it!  I looked at my credit score and it is 650 now.  I've not been late on anything, paid in full a few times, and been granted credit twice!  I want to take care of the medical bills but don't know how to do it best...someone help me grow smatter?

Thx

D

[Anonymous]

Congrats on the score and kudos on grabbing a smart SO!!

As to your question on what to do with the medical collections, can you provide some more info?

How OLD is the debt?

What state are you in/incurred the debt in (if you've moved)?

Have you made ANY payments on these debts or admitted ownership of them?

[Anonymous]

I'd contact the OC and ask if you PIF if they'll remove from CA.

If they won't help you, then I'd google "whychat hipaa" and have a read.

[Anonymous]

Thx for the reply's...

The medical debt is from 2003.  Both accounts I called into question due to how they were generated.  Meaning, they both were done in a slimy way.  I was at the hospital and asked for medication to pass an object caught in my throat.  I was in a position where a drug called glucogon would serve as my healer.  The doctor went against my wishes and tried to force me into the ER and scope my throat.  I refussed but was charged for the ER room anyways and scoping prep.  I was in another city at the time and the bill was lost for 2 or 3 years then it finally caught up to me.  I was caught off guard by it all because before I left the ER I paid $372.00 for my visist and medication. 

When the bills came I researched it all  but to much time had gone by since my visit.  I owe them based on me signing documents at the onset of my ER visit.  I didn't ever admitt I owed the bills.  However, I did say I would consider the most recent deal they are offering.  I don't mind paying any amount to clear it up.  The total bill at 100% owed is just under $1200.00 the settlement offered is $567.00  I just want to handle it in the best way so it doesn't affect my credit more than it has already.  I've been told that to settle the bill would have a negative affect on my credit but no one has explained it in a way that makes sense!  I need a detailed explanation!

The state is Colorado/ live in Colorado.

No I haven't paid on the overdue bill.

July 2003.

Thanks

D

Message Edited by skibum on 07-20-2008 12:29 AM

[Anonymous]

Should include:

1st new card is a US Bank visa at 0% for 12 months on new purchases and balance transfers.  Then Fixed at 9.99% after the intro offer!

2nd card is a HSBC with the same 0% on NP and BT but is fixed after intro at 10.99% and intro is for 9 months.  Again I'm only using the cards for small purchases and paying off balances in full each month.  They serve as a credit to debt available ratio bringing my total debt % lower!