<p>If the bill is in the hands of a collection agency, the hospital has washed its hands of it and will no longer get involved. But I suspect the collection agency has no way of attaching wages or otherwise getting its hands on money in the US and will likely be very willing to negotiate a settlement. Make an offer to pay a third, and they’ll likely agree to half.</p>
<p>As for the other solutions suggested in this thread, I think refusing to pay on the technicality that the girl was underage would be unethical, and I can’t imagine how this would be a matter for a member of Congress. It’s a shame that the girl’s medical insurance was inadequate, but necessary services were rendered, and payment is owed.</p>