Quote:
Originally posted by rickholio
He's still on the hook for the whole $40k though, right? Just that instead of paying it in a big bill all at once, he's become permanently indebted to the medical system which will, presumably, have the legal right to place leins against any of his property should he become more seriously infirm or die.
Call me wishy-washy, but I don't think it's right to be forced into bankruptcy or pressed into indentured servitude for the misfortune of falling ill.
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I think the hospital could do one of two things...
1. They could refuse to cash anymore $20.00 checks and turn the thing over to a collection agency...which would affect his credit rating...but they would not collect the money from him "blood from a turnip" type thing. This would give the hospital the ability to hahahahaha it off as a loss.
2. I think they can put a lean against certain possessions but in his case that would be meaningless to him.
Medical bills can present a problem for those that do not have medical insurance or are not poor enough to qualify for programs that assist the poor. To repeat...the US does not have socialized medical care and the last I was aware the majority of citizens do not want socialized medical care...but instead want affordable insurance...primarily via employers.