• Psythik@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    20
    ·
    4 months ago

    What I don’t understand is why my neighbors here in the US stress over medical debt when you can simply not pay it. It won’t even impact your credit score anymore. Just ignore the debt and move on with your life. I’ve been doing this for decades.

    • skulblaka@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      23
      ·
      4 months ago

      Most people don’t know this is an option. Most people who do know and exercise this as an option will be targeted for harassment by bill collectors for the rest of their life.

      • Psythik@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        8
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        4 months ago

        You can avoid the debt collectors simply by shredding their letters and ignoring their calls. They can’t harass you if you don’t pick up the phone for any number you don’t recognize. They give up pretty quickly (usually within a couple of months) once they realize that you can’t be reached.

        It’s honestly so simple to avoid paying debt, that I’m honestly surprised that people don’t think to just ignore it. You’re not going to go to jail for it, so why even worry? Even if it’s a non-medical debt, your credit score will bounce back in only 7 years.

    • Zorg@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      14
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      4 months ago

      That doesn’t sound right. The US is constructed to maximize profits for its oligarchy, there’s no 7th yacht in allowing the serfs not to pay off their medical debts?