This is of interest to me as I had a bill put into collections while I was waiting for financial assistance and it hit my credit immediately. But it was removed instantly once the bill was covered. So you’re saying I simply need to write the collection agency contesting the collection?
I believe the details may vary by the state you are in.
In florida, for example, if you receive a bill for medical services and you know you can’t pay it, if you send a letter to the provider stating that you cannot pay the bill but that you want to work out payment terms, they are not allowed to turn it over to collection. I’m not clear on your options after it’s gone to collection. But I believe you can dispute it and demand that they not Mark your credit.
But I do know this, the key to your communications is a paper trail. Certified return receipt mail is good, a FedEx envelope is better, much better.
Some years ago I received a collection letter from a collection agency obviously, on an unpaid bill that I never received because it was never sent. And the collection letter came years after the disputed bill. I eventually won out, but the key here is I sent a letter FedEx, told them I was disputing the collection and that they had no legal right to put a mark on my credit. When they get a letter that way rather than a phone call it puts them on notice that you are serious and that you are creating a good paper trail for further legal action if necessary. That will serve you well.