newt

Review of Newton Medical Center, Newton,...

Offered to pay $20.00 a month until my bill is pai...

Offered to pay $20.00 a month until my bill is paid in full. I was told "That's unacceptable" I explained that I am on a fixed very low income, that to pay any more I would have to go with out a medication each month. Would you believe they wanted to haggle over a payment? First they demanded $25.00 a month. When I asked what part of "I can only afford $20.00 a month. She said she would talk to supervisor. She came back and said... We can't take anything less than $22.50 a month. I have had to ask them 4 times now to "please turn my account over to a collection agency who will be more than happy to accept my $20.00 payment each month. They came back with applying for their charity group. That' s unacceptable and offensive to me. I take pride in paying my Own bills. Thank you very much! What happened to the law " if one makes an honest offer to pay one's bill, and the offer is refused..your bill is considered paid in full?

6/15/19 UP DATE
Just received another app. For Midland Group charity fund..This too demands I pay or call to set up a payment plan with them. This is harassment at it's finest. I will call..and will offer them $20.00 a month..again, the same $20.00 a month that I offered the last 4 times. And when they refuse.. I will ask for the 5th time for them to turn my bill over to a collection agency. I fully expect to be threatened for the 5th time to have the sheriff arrest me, to go to jail, and be taken to court. Some way to treat a 71 year old veteran, who only wants to pay their bill at an affordable rate.

6/18/19
Just called the phone number given by standard hospital review answer. Was a recording. Left name , number,and following message. That I had left this review, that Patient Advocate could return my call if she wished, other wise this was the 5th time I was asking for my bill to be turned over to a collection agency. What part of this request do ya-all not understand? I wish to pay my bill at an amount that I can afford and still pay for my meds. Or not have to go with out 3 meals each month until it's paid. Or to go on your charity program?

6/18/19. 12:14pm. Just spoke with Dianne from NMC. She was polite, but declined my $20.00 a month payment. Stating the hospital has standards that they must follow regarding payments. That I can understand. She offered the Midland Group fund to me. I explained that when I was threatened with the Sherrif,court and possible jail, it became Personal. That I declined her offer, and requested she turn my account over to collection. She agreed to turn my account over to collection. I appreciate Dianne's calm manner. Thank you Dianne for treating me with dignity in this matter. newt