[bitshiffed]

Have you ever done this? Where did you hear this? Where have you seen it?

I have never had health insurance. Where I live many people don't have health insurance. I have never heard of this happening. I've seen peoples, my own included, wages garnished before this will happen. I currently have a $20k bill for an emergency appendectomy I had 4 weeks ago. The hospital will seriously take payments for 30 years before they'll lower any cost. If you want to negotiate, you'll have to wait until the collection agency has their account removed from your credit report 7 years after the first reporting. Any time before that you are in no position to negotiate with anybody.

EDIT: Unless your income is less than 1.5x the poverty level. In which case you qualify for aid in paying your bills.

[uberduber]

Not the op, but I have done this on behalf of friends. Some with significant assets. Did you admit to having assets or significant income? If so, it might be very difficult to negotiate. Google for medical bill negotiation services or "lower my hospital bill" and you should be able to find some professionals near you. The consultation is always free. Be aware that some hospitals have become completely unreasonable in the last few years and would rather you file bankruptcy and collect nothing than negotiate. The initial consult with the negotiation service is always free and they will tell you if this is the case.