I made an emergency room visit and had no insurance. They made me sign an agreement before they would treat me stating that I would apply for insurance through the state. I told them I already had but was not approved yet but they made me sign it anyway. The state would not pay the bill for that date and said I was responsible for it. I cannot pay it as I don't have a job and have been fighting for social security disability for a couple of years and have no income/no assets they could take from me. I have not promised them money (avoid their calls and changed my phone number) so it went to collections. I asked the ca for validation and they responded by telling me that they are not required to give me any information except a simple statement with my name on it, the name of the doctor I saw, the amount I owe and the account number. This information they sent to me. Then a week later they sent me another letter saying that if I do not respond within 10 days they they will be forced to take other action. I have not talked with them or promised them anything either and can't afford to make any payments at all as I have a hard time making my rent as it is. What should I do now? Thanks for any advice. As far as my credit is concerned, I am not really concerned about that so much as getting them to leave me alone about this bill. There are 2 bills. one for $38 and another one that will be for over $1,000 that they have not threatened me about yet. So far, this is all happening over the smaller bill but if I don't handle this one correctly, then I will be screwed when the ca takes over the $1,000 bill I can't pay. jbj
