Medical debt collection is confusing, even in the chaotic debt collection industry. Different rules govern the collection of a medical debt, so it is a completely new ball game for the debtor and the collection industry. Patients in debt to a hospital cannot be sued for their debt or have it called in if they qualify a charity program to reduce or completely pay off the debt they owe. Medical Debt Collection is widely recognized as involuntary debt, which differs greatly from debts incurred through other avenues; one example being a department store credit card. The maximum amount of interest a hospital is allowed to charge on an outstanding debt is between 5 and 10% and cannot go any higher than 10% over the life of the debt. For the most part each state has its own acts and laws to govern the debts incurred while obtaining medical care at a hospital or other major treatment facility. In Illinois, for instance they have passed the Hospital and Fair Billing Practices Act in Early 2007. This act states that a debt cannot be pursued against an individual who has proven that they cannot repay their debt because they have insufficient assets and income. It also requires that hospitals make plain the availability of all charitable aid available at the time their bill becomes due, in English at least, and any other language commonly spoken by a large percent of the community. For the most part, medical debt is recognized as an involuntary type of debt. Optional procedures, such as cosmetic surgery that is not covered under insurance, as the result of bodily trauma is not involuntary, as such is not subject to the laws, and acts that normally cover those who incur medical debts in situations out of their control. An example of an involuntarily incurred debt would be an emergency room visit due to a heart attack or troubled pregnancy. These things cannot be foreseen, but must be treated as soon as possible to ensure the continued life health of all involved. Like most other debt types, medical debt has a statute of limitations, and typically expires after 3-5 years, though you will need to clarify what your state’s exact number is before thinking you are in the clear. No one can help a visit to the ER; do not fret, there is relief for most kinds of medical debt!