Reply #5: You don't have to pay it all BTW, and it wont affect credit if done properly

[Oregone]

They write off medical bills as losses to get tax breaks. Hospitals may even overcharge those who cannot pay, with the intention of simply lowering their taxes in the end. Ive turned $1300 bill into $400 (handed to collection) that I happily paid. Just an FYI.

Pretend to be poor as dirt, if you aren't. Most hospitals will gladly comply. I had a family member do a stint working in the medical industry who raved about this, not comprehending it. This was the first I heard of it, but sure enough, when I put it to practice, it worked.