#HospitalFail Campaign: Spotlighting Predatory Hospital Tactics Against Consumers

“In Connecticut between 2011 and 2016, physician practices, hospitals or collection agencies combined initiated 81,136 lawsuits in small claims courts, up to $5,000 per claim, against their patients to recover outstanding medical debts.”

“An ambulance took him to the hospital for emergency treatment, and when he said he wouldn’t be able to pay, staff reassured him that his expenses would qualify for something called indigent care…but after the client was discharged, two surprises came in the mail: a bill, and later, a lawsuit.”

“I didn’t even know I owed money until I was sued … I was never told about charity care, even though I qualified for it.”

“Over the past several years, the Heries’ wages have been garnished almost continuously, with the money sometimes going to pay down one debt, and sometimes the other. They have chipped away, paying nearly $20,000, but still owe more than $26,000. Northwest also has a lien on the Heries’ home, meaning that they are unable to sell it or refinance their mortgage without resolving the debt.”

“Ms. Price, 40, a nurse and local 4-H leader, has been sued five times by Carlsbad Medical Center, for bills totaling more than $17,000.”

“I really don’t know what else to say in my defense other than I am defenseless against these ruthless lawyers for the hospital. My family and I will never go there again for anything after this nightmare.”

“A cashier at a Providence Health hospital in Oregon reported having wages garnished for outstanding medical debt to a doctor’s office. For one paycheck for 61 hours of work, she took home 54 cents after a garnishment and other deductions.”

“They said I’d be owing them all my life.”

“I literally have no food in my house because they’re garnishing my check”

“It’s not that we’re choosing not to pay, but there are other bills … My daughter has to eat, and if it’s choosing between that or paying a doctor bill, I’m going to choose her.”