Debt incurred as a result of medical problems or illness can be difficult for any person. It doesn’t matter if you had a catastrophic illness, an extended hospital stay, surgery, rehab, or numerous visits to medical specialists, the medical debt will add up quickly and according to the American Medical Journal reports that medical bills, alone, are responsible for over 60% of all personal bankruptcies nationwide.
Medical Bankruptcy Myth
There is a myth out there stating that medical bills cannot be discharged in bankruptcy (either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13). That myth is completely untrue, medical bills can be discharged in a personal bankruptcy. There is no specific bankruptcy called a medical bankruptcy, a debtor doesn’t get to pick and choose which debts he or she wants to include (whether it’s credit cards, mortgages, unsecured loans, or medical bills), the bankruptcy filing will include all the debts of the debtor.
Doctor Discrimination Myth
Another myth that is often questioned is whether a doctor can refuse to treat a person because he or she has discharged monies owed to the doctor. This myth is again false, a medical office or practice will not discriminate against a debtor because the debtor has filed for bankruptcy.
There is no shame in filing for bankruptcy. If your financial troubles are the result of illness, you should focus on regaining your health without the stress of worrying about creditors calling. Shmucher Law, PL may be able to assist debtors to obtain a fresh start by discharging all or most of the debtor’s debts.
Contact Shmucher Law, PL if you have outstanding medical debts and would like to schedule a free consultation to determine if bankruptcy is an option for you. Shmucher Law, PL can be reached by calling either 305.741.5553 or 239.299.7833.
Shmucher Law, PL, a bankruptcy law firm, represents debtors, creditors, and trustees in bankruptcy matters throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties.