Is Medical Debt Dischargeable in Bankruptcy in Michigan?
It is often assumed that medical debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, but actually, this is not the case. The truth is that, in Michigan, you can include your healthcare bills in your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 filing. In fact, the bankruptcy process is the only way that many hardworking Michigan families can find relief from the endless battle with their debts.
What Happens if You Cannot Pay Your Medical Bills in Michigan?
It is not uncommon for people to find themselves in an impossible situation when it comes to paying back substantial medical debt. Given the tremendous cost of healthcare in the United States, many people find that their bills follow them around for the rest of their lives. While some hospitals provide forgiveness programs, there are typically strict limitations on who can qualify, which means that these programs will do nothing to help most people.
If you are unable to pay your healthcare bills in Michigan, it can damage your credit score and impact your ability to obtain financing for a house or car. Your account may be sent to a collections agency, subjecting you to endless harassment and phone calls.
Some healthcare providers will even take you to court and sue you for unpaid debt. In Michigan, the statute of limitations, or deadline, for filing a lawsuit for unpaid medical debt is six years from the date of your last payment.
What Can You Do?
Fortunately, you don’t have to give up hope. You can eliminate your debt and stop the constant harassment by filing for bankruptcy. As soon as your lawyer files your case, the Michigan bankruptcy court will grant you an “automatic stay,” prohibiting your creditors from pursuing collection activities against you or contacting you at all while the bankruptcy is pending. This stay includes healthcare providers and collection agencies, which means those annoying phone calls will finally stop.
Is There a Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 in Case of Unpaid Medical Bills?
Because medical debt is unsecured, it can typically be included in a bankruptcy filing under either chapter, just like credit card balances and personal loans. While both types of consumer bankruptcy will help you eliminate your debts, with Chapter 7, you can wipe out your debts entirely. On the other hand, with Chapter 13, your healthcare charges will probably be included in a 3-to-5 year repayment plan that restructures and reduces your debts while allowing you to keep all of your assets.
Final Thoughts
After incurring unexpected healthcare expenses or suffering a health emergency, you may be feeling overwhelmed by how much your medical bills are. It’s important to know that you don’t have to spend the rest of your life buried in debt and that help is available.
At DebtStoppers, our experienced Michigan lawyers can develop a customized bankruptcy plan to set you free from extensive medical debt. We’ll evaluate your financial situation and advise you on the best course of action to help you start over and move forward. Call or text us today at 313-880-3970 to set up a free case review with a member of our skilled legal team.
