Resources and Tools

Explore the resources and tools outlined in our manual.

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Resources and Tools

AGENCIES

Below are essential healthcare providers and legal resources organized by county found in Appendices A, B, and C of the Manual.
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Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)

Accessible, community-based clinics offering quality healthcare for everyone—regardless of insurance status—often with affordable, sliding-scale fees.

Acute Care Hospitals

Comprehensive hospitals providing 24/7 emergency care, advanced treatments, and specialized services for urgent health needs.

Legal Assistance

Connect with non-profit legal experts and county bar associations dedicated to helping with medical debt and related legal concerns.

A New Jersey Guide to Insurance Appeals

A comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating the insurance appeals process in New Jersey, including tips and resources.

FORMS & LETTERS

Explore sample letters and forms in Appendix D that can help you handle medical debt, request payment plans, and respond to debt collectors or lawsuits.
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Letter Disputing Debt

A formal letter patients can send to healthcare providers or debt collectors to dispute all or part of a medical bill, asserting legal defenses and requesting that collection efforts stop.

Payment Plan Letter

A letter for negotiating a reasonable payment plan for medical debt, proposing monthly payments based on income and protections under the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act.

Answer To Complaint

A legal form for patients sued for medical debt to deny or contest the amount claimed and assert defenses, preserving their rights in court.

Certification of Service

A statement certifying that court papers have been properly filed with the court and served on the plaintiff or their attorney as required by law.

Letter Requesting Debt Validation

A letter for patients to request detailed verification of a medical debt from a debt collector within 30 days, pausing collection until validation is provided.

WEBSITES

Helpful Websites and Links to New Jersey Courts.
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Surviving Debt, National Consumer Law Center Digital Book that has chapters on Medical Debt (chapter 11) and Collection Lawsuits (chapter 4)

Stopping Debt Collection Harassment: Consumer Debt Advice from the National Consumer Law Center

Glossary of Legal Terms, National Consumer Law Center

Debt Collection FAQs, Information from the Federal Trade Commission

Information on How to Represent Yourself in Court (Pro Se)

Information About Special Civil Part

How to Answer in Special Civil Part

Information about Small Claims Court

Information about How a Judgment Against You Can be Collected

How to File Documents with the Court and View Court Documents Online