Hey, Grizzly Flats Guy,
My family and I can accutely feel you pain. We are dealing with the very same situation. I would highly suggest that you contact a "good" Bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation. Just to determine what your options are.
John R. Roberts is a very good one who has been in the business for 29 years. Although he may not be taking any new clients. He has said that over his career, this is the busiest he has ever been. And just to keep in mind that even with the bankruptcy law changes back in 2005. Medical expenses account for over 60% of all BKs.

Although the best advice I can give is simply: Pray Hard! . Somehow it will all work its self out, and the important part is that you are alive to confront this new "chapter in your life".

Mike M.

Years ago, my young adult son was in an accident that left him with mounds of medical bills. He made regular payments of 250. a month to the hospital for about a year when he was called by someone from the hospital. She explained that the hospital can write off debt for hardship cases and that the hospital had annual charity budget for old debts they must dispense to qualifying individuals and maybe he would qualify. He completed a financial statement. After it was reviewed the Hospital wrote off 3/4 of the remaining debt. He continued to pay the $250 for 5 years until the balance was paid off. You might check with the Hospital. Many of his bills were not just for the hospital but to many other physicians, labs etc. This was the St Lukes & theMayo clinic in Jacksonville.

If you are asking if the hospital or collections agency can take your home to settle your debts, then I would say no. I do not own a home, but I too have 11+ years of hospital bills piling up from my daughter ($19,863 was her last trip to ICU, x's that by 3-4 times a year for 11 years). I own my car and have bank accounts, and they have never in 11 years had any interest in my assets to settle the debts. In my experience they just want money. The will garnish your wages if you make enough, there are limits on that even, as you have to have money to live off of. Not sure what income lvl you are at, but a few years ago I was making $150/week and they denied a garnishment because I didn't make enough. You don't have any insurance or qualify for medicaid/medicare?

Anyway, I hope this helps, and good luck!

Hello Grizzly Flats Guy, You might look into filing a homestead exemption to protect at least some of the equity in your home. The amount of your homestead exemption depends upon your age and medical condition.

A Homestead exemption will only help to protect your home, A judgment creditor can go after wages or monetary assets instead. If you are making regular payments they would be foolish to sue you.

Hi Guy,

You questioned was whether or not they can take your home and whether or not you should file bankruptcy. Consult a tax attorney in your area and they can best advise you.

Sandy Shores