What happened if you cannot pay off a hospital bill if they send you to collection?

If you cannot pay off a hospital bill and it is sent to collections, the collection agency may attempt to contact you for payment. This can negatively impact your credit score and remain on your credit report for up to seven years. Additionally, the agency may pursue legal action to recover the debt, potentially leading to wage garnishment or other financial consequences. It's important to communicate with the hospital or collection agency to explore payment plans or financial assistance options.