<prompt> Human: Hey guys could use a little help or advice here. I was on a plan with my mom until I was 18, I guess for some reason because she was on state insurance or something like that when I turned 19 I had to get my own card and plan. I got this all set up a couple days after my bday and a couple month later I visited the hospital with a foot injury. Fast forward 6 months and I get a bill from the hospital so I call them and they said they just messed up my insurance info and resubmitted it. Another month goes by and I get the same bill, call them back and they told my bill was now in collections because I hadnt paid it or set up a payment plan. I called my insurance company and they told me my insurance was cancelled literally the week before I visited the hospital. I hadnt even had it for 3 months, and they told me it was cancelled but they didnt give me a reason why. So now Im stuck in collections and like I said I get insurance through the state and Im currently going to a community college so Im not exactly in the situation to spend 1,700 to pay this bill. My mom and I are really lost here and we really dont know what to do.  <response>: Okay, lets look at the worst case scenario: you have no insurance, are responsible for the bill and cant pay it. So dont pay it. It will go to collections, your credit score will take a dive, and 7 years later, it will fall off your credit report. Obviously thats not the best plan, but it is an option.One step up from that: still no insurance, still responsible for the bill. You call the hospital and beg them to discount the charges. Explain how broke you are, that you have no hope of affording it, etc. They will most likely cut you a deal. Plus, you ask for a payment plan. Theyd rather get some money over time than no money at all. If the day no, keep asking. They will almost certainly work with you. Best case scenario: your insurance cancellation was a mistake on the insurance companys part. They correct their mistake, and youre covered. If you paid your premium on time, they cannot cancel you except in extreme cases, like a fraudulent application. They must give you the reason for the cancellation. Keep calling, submit proof of your paid premium, and file a complaint with your states insurance board. 