Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
My health insurance doesn’t pay for office visits. When I receive a bill, I pay what I can afford at the time. That isn’t good enough for the business and they are always threatening me with collections even though I have paid at the minimum fee of $25 each time I get a bill. Can they really come after me if I don’t set up payments with them beforehand? I always pay something right away. One bill was for $212. I sent $25 twice. I now owe $162 and was planning to pay another $25-$30 this time.
You should request written information about the business’s payment and collection policy. Usually, every business has some type of policy regarding when outstanding accounts are sent to collection agencies. There may be some type of language in the policy that permits you to pay in installments throughout a certain duration of time. If so, you should cite to such language when speaking to a representative that request for full payment.
