<prompt> Human: Hi all, Im having some trouble with some medical bills here. Im 24 years old so this is the first time Ive dealt with the aftermath of surgery on my own, so Im not entirely sure what to do here. Last year, I broke my foot, and it required surgery. I was careful to make sure that the hospital and surgeon were both in-network. My surgeon was careful to clarify financial matters on his end, and I felt good heading into the surgery. However, they used an out-of-network anesthesiologist without my knowledge. Since the surgery, the anesthesiologist has gone back and forth with my insurance, and eventually the insurance paid some small sum of what was due. Now Ive got a collections agency saying I owe him 988. I could put it on a credit card, but thats not ideal, and it would take a while to pay off I dont make a lot of money and Im trying to plan my wedding next year--988 would more than pay for my wedding dress!. I really dont have that kind of money, and Im distressed, because I dont want it to hit my credit either. What can I do? Is it possible to negotiate? This doesnt seem right. Assistant: What state do you live in? A few states have created laws against these surprise bills from out-of-network collateral staff when you selected an in-network doctor. Human: Texas. I hope we are one of these states!  <response>: Go here: 