Army Medical Command implements new debt management system

As of Jan. 30, 2013, at the direction of the U.S. Army Medical Command Chief of Staff, patient medical bills less than $100,000 and more than 90 days past due will be transferred to the U.S. Treasury Department for collection.

To avoid bills being transferred to the US Treasury, patients with a balance due should contact the hospital’s Treasury Office to make payment arrangements. Patients unable to pay the balance in full may request a repayment schedule of not less than $50 per month, and not longer than 36 months. Payments may be made by check, money order, cash or credit card.

Once overdue medical bills are transferred, the MTF will no longer be able to accept payments or negotiate a repayment plan. The patient will be required to contact the US Treasury Department’s FedDebt Division at (888) 826-3127 to settle their debt with the US Government. In addition, the US Treasury Department will apply fees, penalties and interest to debt transferred for collection.

All Military Treatment Facilities must implement the FedDebt program no later than January 30, 2013. This new business practice will expedite the collection process, improve the internal controls for out-of-service debt management, reduce costs, and provide an improved audit trail.

All questions or concerns should be directed to Brigitte Sills, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center accounting technician, at 254-288-8176.

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