BBB Metro NY: New York State Consumer Resources

Dealing with Debt Issues and Collection Agencies

Visit newyork.bbb.org/debt for detailed tips on how to Take Control of Your Debt, including tips on how to deal with debt collectors and debt lawsuits.

The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York, Inc.
newyork.bbb.org
212-533-6200

The Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York, Inc.
upstateny.bbb.org
716-881-5222

BBB helps you to find trustworthy businesses and charities. Some BBB Accredited businesses are medical billing advocacy companies; search the BBB Accredited Directory to locate one. Your BBB organizations in New York State offer an array of free services, including consumer advice, help to resolve complaints about businesses, and referrals to law enforcement organizations for more assistance. Consumers can also post reviews about businesses, and find information about the latest scams through BBB Scam Tracker.

Community Health Advocates
communityhealthadvocates.org
888-614-5400
This program, provided by the Community Service Society of New York, helps consumers to understand their health insurance, find help with medical bills, and get access to needed medical care. The program offers free counseling services in many different languages, in every county of New York State.

Hispanic Federation
hispanicfederation.org/programs/health
Hotline: 866-HF-AYUDA (866-432-9832)
The Hispanic Federation is a membership organization for Latino nonprofits, which also works to empower and advance the Hispanic community. Through its healthcare access programs, this organization helps Hispanic families and businesses seek and obtain health insurance coverage.

New York Hospital Financial Assistance Law (HFAL)
wnylc.com/health/entry/69
This New York State law establishes a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients living at or under 300% of the federal poverty line. On a voluntary basis, some hospitals may offer discounted care to eligible patients living at up to 400% of the federal poverty line. HFAL provides other protections relating to financial assistance, debt collection, Medicaid denials, and notices to patients. Visit the listed Western New York Law Center web page for details.

New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)
thenyic.org/healthcare
212-627-2227
NYIC is a policy and advocacy nonprofit, which draws together 200 member groups in New York that work with immigrants and refugees. NYIC works actively in areas such as ensuring language and eligibility access to medical care, and is able to provide consumer information about patient rights in New York City and State.

New York State Department of Financial Services (NYS-DFS)
Surprise and Emergency Billing Information for Consumers
dfs.ny.gov/consumer/hprotection.htm
New York State now has a law protecting consumers against surprise or emergency bills in certain situations. Visit this NYS-DFS web page to view details.

New York State Department of Health
health.ny.gov
Hospital complaints: 800-804-5447
List of hotlines: health.ny.gov/contact/doh800.htm
Where to apply for Medicaid Prenatal Care Coverage:
health.ny.gov/community/pregnancy/health_care/prenatal/apply_for_coverage.htm
This branch of New York State government works to advance public health and also encourages enhanced access to health care. File a complaint about a hospital at the Department of Health hotline. Visit the web page noted about to find a county-by-county list of locations where eligible patients may apply for Medicaid Prenatal Care Coverage.

New York State of Health
nystateofhealth.ny.gov
This is New York’s state marketplace for health insurance plans, established under the Affordable Care Act. Compare plan options if you are seeking medical insurance, and find community “Navigators” who can help you make decisions.

New York State Office of the Attorney General
ag.ny.gov
General Assistance: 800-771-7755
Healthcare Hotline: 800-428-9071
The New York Attorney General is the state’s chief legal counsel, and his office oversees and manages issues such as guarding the legal and civil rights of consumers.

This article is not intended as, and may not be regarded, or relied upon, as legal advice. For legal help, please consult a qualified attorney (meaning a lawyer, and not a notary) in your state. The overview in this article is provided for general consumer education, and further resources are provided so that the reader may find additional sources of help. A reference to an organization in the Resource section of this article does not represent any kind of endorsement or accreditation, but is provided solely and exclusively for informational purposes. This article is not meant to be, and should not be viewed as, a comprehensive discussion about medical debt issues.

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