<prompt> Human: This is what keeps me up at night and the reason for my panic attacks: I had a health procedure done in January of last year. Prior to my appointment, I confirmed with my insurance that I was fully covered. Long story short, I received a bill nonetheless that I owed 250. I am an unemployed college student and the health procedure was not something I could comfortably explain to my parents. I had no way to pay for it, so I put it off. Fast forward to June, I start getting calls from a collection agency. I still havent payed the bill but will finally have the funds to next month almost one year after the procedure. I havent even checked my credit score because Im so terrified that this has ruined my life. It makes me physically sick. Im only nineteen and a sophomore in college, what can I do to fix this? and what can I expect when I try to pay this off? Is there any interest? Please help :  <response>: Take a deep breath. After 7 years this debt will drop off your credit history. You have not fucked up your life. If the debt has gone to collections you can work out a payment schedule to pay it back comfortably. You may also be able to negotiate the debt down. If the medical facility still has the debt and theyre using in-house collections they may be more agreeable to negotiation.A collection agency buys the debt from the company you owe the money to for cents on the dollar. Like, if you owe 250 the agency will buy the debt for say 100 and try to get all of it out of you. Thats how they make their money. So they may accept a little less than what you owe just so they have income. Or they may be hard asses. Either way, work out a payment schedule.If you ever find yourself in a jam like this again, always call the company and ask for a repayment schedule that you can comfortably manage, and then keep your word. Hospitals and Drs offices will work with you.I was where you are. Im still here. Itll be ok. 