One of my co-workers just talked to me this morning and he said that most of his debts were medical bills. To make matter worse, they're not dischargeable because the hospitals are government-owned or the government has stake in (like GM). He consulted 2 bk lawyers and they both told him the same thing. Is this true? Even back taxes that are older than 3 years get discharged, why these medical bills aren't?
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Filed chapter 7 Jul 13, 2010
341 hearing Aug 12, 2010 
Trustee's report of no distribution Aug 20, 2010 
Discharged Oct 13, 2010 
Closed Oct 28, 2010. -
Hmmm, I've NEVER heard of that. I don't think those attorney's knew what they were talking about. -
Medical bills are dischargable, like any unsecured debt. Unless of course, someone gets a nose job and then files bk the next day. THAT debt probably wouldn't be dischargable.Filed Chapter 7 July 2010
Attended 341 September 2010
Discharged November 2010
Closed November 2010Comment
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I haven't heard of this. We had medical bills, and they were discharged. But our providers were private businesses, and the government did not have any connection with them--at least as far as I know.
One of our providers tried to get their claim prioritized above that of the IRS. That got tossed."To go bravely forward is to invite a miracle."
"Worry is the darkroom where negatives are formed."Comment
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He said to me because the government is involved (has owned or partially owned) these hospitals, they won't allow it. I'm kind of confused. Either he didn't tell me the whole story or something's going on.Filed chapter 7 Jul 13, 2010 341 hearing Aug 12, 2010 Trustee's report of no distribution Aug 20, 2010 Discharged Oct 13, 2010 Closed Oct 28, 2010.Comment
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wyguyn,
Your co-worker has been sadly misinformed.....medical bills are dischargeable even if the facility is govt owned; federal, state, or local.
Govt items that are not discharged are taxes, fees, penalties, and court-ordered payments (child support, alimony, restitution, etc)
The applicable BK code is Title 11 ยง 523. Exceptions to discharge
Tell your friend that unless there was fraud involved, the medical bills can be discharged.....
and get better lawyers....
Tom in ColoCh7 filed 5/12/2010.....341 meeting 6/30/2010....report of no distribution 8/15/2010.....discharged 10/01/2010.....closed 11/09/2010Comment
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I've never heard of medical bills not being able to be discharged either (government hospital or private hospital). And for me, my medical bills (around $75K) were one of the main reasons I filed.Filed: 6/30/2010
341: 7/26/2010
Discharged: 10/6/2010Comment
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I don't think your friend is giving you the whole story.
I doubt seriously he has even spoken with an attorney.Comment
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Wow. This is good news for him. thanks Tom and all others for your input.Filed chapter 7 Jul 13, 2010 341 hearing Aug 12, 2010 Trustee's report of no distribution Aug 20, 2010 Discharged Oct 13, 2010 Closed Oct 28, 2010.Comment
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