USCB America contacted you about medical debt. You're confused. Maybe worried. Definitely looking for answers. You are on the right path.
Many people feel confused or even anxious when a collection agency reaches out, especially about medical bills.
I’ve been helping people rebuild their credit and resolve collection issues for years as the owner of ASAP Credit Repair. So I’ve seen hundreds of clients deal with medical debt collections, including cases involving USCB America.
This guide draws on that experience to explain exactly who USCB America is, why they’re contacting you, and how to handle their calls safely and confidently.
You’ll also learn:
- Who exactly is UCB America
- What your legal rights are under debt collection laws
- How to verify the debt before making any payments
- Smart payment and negotiation options
- How to protect your credit score and avoid common mistakes
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is USCB America
USCB America is a healthcare revenue recovery solutions company that specializes in collecting unpaid medical bills. They work as a third-party collection agency for hospitals, clinics, and medical providers across the United States.
The company was founded in 1915. That makes them one of the oldest debt collection agencies operating in America today. Their headquarters is located in Los Angeles, California.
They focus primarily on medical debt collection. This includes hospital bills, physician charges, emergency room visits, and other healthcare-related expenses that patients haven't paid.
USCB America partners with over 250 hospitals in 25 states. In 2019 alone, they handled 19 million collection cases. That's a massive operation focused exclusively on healthcare debt recovery.
When a hospital or medical provider can't collect payment from a patient directly, they may send that account to USCB America. The agency then attempts to recover the money on behalf of the healthcare provider.
Who Is USCB America: Company Information
USCB America is headquartered at 355 S. Grand Ave, Suite 3200, Los Angeles, CA 90071. But the company operates multiple locations across the United States.
The company's leadership includes CEO Albert Cadena and Vice President Pat Esquivel. They employ customer service representatives they call "CARE Representatives" who handle consumer contacts.
Their business model is straightforward. Healthcare providers can't collect payment from patients. Those providers hire USCB America to recover the money. USCB America takes a percentage of whatever they collect.
This creates an obvious incentive. The more aggressive they are in collection efforts, the more money they potentially recover. That's why some consumers report persistent phone calls and pressure tactics.
USCB America positions itself as patient-focused. Their marketing materials emphasize compassionate collection practices and maintaining patient dignity. They claim to use a service-driven approach rather than aggressive sales tactics. Consumer experiences vary widely. Some people report reasonable interactions with polite representatives. Others describe harassing phone calls and unreasonable demands.
The Scale of Medical Debt in America
Medical debt affects millions of Americans. Understanding how widespread this problem is helps put your situation in context.
In 2024, 36% of US households had some form of medical debt, with 21% having a past-due medical bill. That means roughly one in three American families is dealing with unpaid medical expenses.
As of August 2024, approximately 9.7 million consumers had medical debt in collections on their credit reports. This number dropped significantly from 27 million in August 2022, thanks to changes in credit reporting practices that removed certain medical collections from credit reports.
Researchers estimate that medical debt worth $194 billion was in active collection in 2024. That's an enormous amount of money affecting American families.
- 36% of households have medical debt
- 21% have past-due medical bills
- 9.7 million consumers have medical debt in collections
Medical debt isn't distributed evenly across the country. Southern states show significantly higher rates of medical debt in collections. States that didn't expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act also show higher medical debt burdens.
For example, one city study shows:
- Norfolk, Virginia ranks #1 for percentage of people with medical collections debt among major cities. WalletHub
- Newport News, Virginia is #2 in that same study. WalletHub
- Laredo, Texas topped another study as the city with the most accounts in collections (not strictly medical debt only) among the 100 most populated U.S. cities. Laredo Morning Times
This data proves you're not alone. Medical debt collection is a massive problem affecting tens of millions of Americans.
Is USCB America a Debt Collector?
Yes. USCB America is absolutely a debt collector.
They call themselves a "receivables management company." That's just industry terminology for debt collection. The name sounds softer, but the function is identical.
As a debt collector, USCB America must follow specific federal laws. The most important is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This law protects consumers from abusive, deceptive, or unfair collection practices.
Under the FDCPA, USCB America cannot harass you. They can't call you at unreasonable hours. They can't threaten you with actions they're not legally allowed to take. They can't misrepresent the amount you owe.
They must also follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law protects your medical information. USCB America must handle your medical debt information carefully and cannot disclose protected health information without proper authorization.
If USCB America violates these laws, you have legal recourse. You can file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state attorney general's office.
Understanding that USCB America is a debt collector helps you know what to expect and what your rights are during the collection process.
Is USCB America Legit
USCB America is legitimate. They're not a scam operation.
The company has been in business for over 100 years. They're registered with state and federal authorities. They operate under the guidelines established by the FDCPA and other consumer protection laws.
You can verify their legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau. USCB America has a BBB profile, though they're not BBB accredited. Their profile shows company information, contact details, and customer complaint history.
However, being legitimate doesn't mean their tactics are always appropriate. Many consumers report aggressive collection attempts from USCB America. Some complaints include frequent phone calls, pressure tactics, and demands for immediate payment.
Just because they're a real company doesn't mean every debt they claim you owe is accurate. Mistakes happen. Medical billing is notoriously complex. Errors occur frequently in hospital billing systems, insurance processing, and account transfers to collection agencies.
You have the right to verify any debt USCB America claims you owe. This is called challenging debt collectors through debt validation, and it's a critical step before you pay anything.
Never assume a collection notice is accurate just because it comes from a legitimate company. Always verify the debt independently.
Who Does USCB America Collect For
USCB America primarily collects debts for large healthcare organizations. Their client list includes hospitals, medical providers, physician groups, and academic medical institutions.
They partner with more than 250 hospitals across 25 states. These are typically major healthcare systems that handle thousands of patient accounts daily.
Beyond hospitals, USCB America works with various healthcare providers including emergency departments, surgical centers, and specialty medical practices. They focus almost exclusively on healthcare-related debt.
Some reports indicate USCB America occasionally collects other types of debt including bank debts, credit card accounts, and retail obligations. However, their primary focus remains medical debt collection.
The diversity of their client base means the debt they're calling about could be from many sources. It might be from a hospital stay you remember clearly. Or it could be from an emergency room visit years ago that you thought insurance covered.
Sometimes the debt comes from a provider you've never heard of. This happens when hospitals use external physicians, specialists, or service providers who bill separately. You might have visited one hospital but received bills from multiple providers who all worked there.
That's why it's crucial to verify exactly what debt they're claiming and which provider originally billed you.
How Medical Debt Reaches Collection Agencies
The path from unpaid medical bill to collection agency contact follows a predictable pattern.
First, you receive medical treatment. The provider bills your insurance company. If you have insurance, the insurer pays their portion. You're responsible for copays, deductibles, and any amounts insurance doesn't cover.
If you don't have insurance, you're responsible for the entire bill.
The provider sends you a bill. If you don't pay within 30 days, they send another bill. Then another. Most providers send multiple billing statements before taking further action.
After 60 to 180 days of non-payment, many providers send accounts to collection agencies. This is where USCB America enters the picture.
Some providers use USCB America for "first-party" collections. This means USCB America contacts you on behalf of the provider before the account is officially in collections. They're still trying to help you work out payment with the original provider.
Other providers use USCB America for "third-party" collections. This means they've given up trying to collect themselves. They've sold or assigned the debt to USCB America, who now owns the right to collect it.
Understanding this timeline helps you know where you are in the process and what might happen next.
How to Pay USCB America
If you've verified the debt is accurate and you decide to pay, USCB America offers several payment options.
Their online payment portal at care.uscbamerica.com allows secure online payments. You'll need your Record ID or Reference ID, which appears on your billing statement.
You can pay by phone at 888-CARE-398 (888-227-3398). Their automated system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can make a payment, check your balance, or hear your last payment information.
Live representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Pacific Time. Weekends the phone system is closed, but the automated payment system still works.
You can also pay by mail. Detach the payment stub from your billing statement and mail it with your payment to:
USCB America
355 S. Grand Ave
Suite 3200, Box 306
Los Angeles, CA 90071-1591
Before you pay anything, consider these important steps.
Verify the Debt First
Never pay a collection agency without verifying the debt is legitimate and accurate. You have the right to request debt validation under the FDCPA.
Within five days of first contacting you, USCB America must send you a written validation notice. This notice must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and a statement that you have 30 days to dispute the debt.
Send a debt validation letter to USCB America. Request complete documentation proving you owe the debt. This should include the original contract, itemized billing statements, and proof that USCB America has the right to collect.
They must provide this information before continuing collection efforts. If they can't validate the debt, they must stop trying to collect it.
Don't communicate with USCB America by phone about debt verification. Always use written communication sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a paper trail proving what you sent and when they received it.
Negotiate Before You Pay
Collection agencies often accept less than the full amount owed. This is called a settlement.
USCB America may accept 40% to 60% of the total debt as payment in full. They might accept even less for older debts or larger balances.
Before negotiating, know your bottom line. Determine the maximum amount you can afford to pay in a lump sum.
When you negotiate, get everything in writing before you pay. The written agreement should state the settlement amount, confirm that payment satisfies the debt in full, and explain how they'll report the account to credit bureaus.
Never accept verbal promises. Collection agents sometimes make promises over the phone they don't honor later. Written agreements protect you.
Consider Your Credit Report
Paying a collection account doesn't automatically remove it from your credit report. The account will still appear, but it'll show as "paid" instead of "unpaid."
Some consumers negotiate a "pay for delete" agreement. This means the collection agency agrees to remove the account from your credit report entirely in exchange for payment.
USCB America may or may not agree to pay for delete. It's worth asking, especially if you're paying the full amount or a substantial settlement.
Recent changes in credit reporting have reduced the impact of medical debt. Starting in 2022, the three major credit bureaus removed paid medical collections from credit reports and stopped reporting medical collections under $500.
These changes helped many consumers. However, 15 million Americans still have medical debt on their credit reports affecting their credit scores.
- Before 2022: All medical debt reported / 27 million Americans affected
- After 2022: Collections under $500 removed, paid collections removed / 9.7 million Americans affected / Average credit score increase: 20 points
Understanding these credit reporting rules helps you negotiate more effectively and understand the long-term impact of payment decisions.
Understand Your Payment Options
If you can't afford to pay the full amount immediately, USCB America may offer payment plans. These arrangements let you pay the debt over several months.
Be careful with payment plans. Make sure you can afford the monthly amount. Missing payments on a payment plan can restart collection efforts and potentially lead to legal action.
Ask about interest charges and fees. Some collection agencies add interest to payment plans, increasing the total amount you'll pay.
Get the payment plan terms in writing. The written agreement should specify the monthly payment amount, the total number of payments, whether interest applies, and what happens if you miss a payment.
Before you agree to any payment arrangement, consider whether you actually owe the debt. If you dispute the debt's validity or accuracy, don't start making payments. Payment can be seen as acknowledgment that you owe the debt, making it harder to dispute later.
Your Legal Rights and Protections
You have significant legal protections when dealing with debt collectors like USCB America.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act limits what collectors can do. They cannot call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM in your time zone. They cannot call you at work if you tell them your employer prohibits such calls.
They cannot harass you with repeated phone calls designed to annoy or abuse. They cannot use profane language or threats of violence. They cannot threaten to take actions they don't intend to take or aren't legally allowed to take.
They must identify themselves as debt collectors in every communication. They cannot falsely claim to be attorneys, government representatives, or credit bureau employees.
If you send a written request asking them to stop contacting you, they must stop. They can only contact you to confirm they received your request and to notify you of specific actions like filing a lawsuit.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act provides additional protections for medical debt. USCB America cannot discuss your medical information with unauthorized people. They must protect your privacy regarding what medical services led to the debt.
If USCB America violates these laws, you can sue them. You may recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, and attorney fees if you win.
Document every interaction with USCB America. Keep copies of all letters. Record the date, time, and content of phone calls. Note the name of any representative you speak with.
This documentation becomes critical if you need to file a complaint or pursue legal action.
What Happens If You Don't Pay
Ignoring USCB America won't make the debt disappear. Several things can happen if you don't pay medical debt in collections.
Your credit score will suffer. Unpaid medical collections remain on your credit report for seven years from the date the account first became delinquent. This damages your credit score and makes it harder to get loans, rent apartments, or sometimes even get jobs.
USCB America may sue you. If they win a judgment, they can garnish your wages, levy your bank account, or place liens on your property. The specifics depend on your state's laws.
Not all states allow wage garnishment for medical debt. Some states protect certain income sources from collection. But in many states, collectors can take legal action to force payment.
The debt may grow larger. Some medical providers and collection agencies add interest and fees to unpaid balances. This increases the total amount you owe over time.
However, medical debt has a statute of limitations. This is the time period during which a collector can sue you to recover the debt. Once this period passes, the debt becomes "time-barred." USCB America can still try to collect, but they can't successfully sue you.
Statute of limitations periods vary by state. They typically range from three to ten years. The clock usually starts when you last made a payment or acknowledged the debt.
Be careful with old debts. Making a payment or even acknowledging you owe the debt can restart the statute of limitations in some states.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many consumers make mistakes when dealing with collection agencies. These errors can cost you money or damage your legal position.
- ❌ Don't ignore collection notices. Pretending they don't exist won't help. The debt won't go away, and your options get worse over time.
- ❌ Don't provide bank account information over the phone. USCB America representatives might pressure you to set up automatic payments. This gives them access to your bank account, which can lead to unauthorized withdrawals.
- ❌ Don't admit the debt is yours without verifying it first. Saying "yes, I owe this" can be used against you later. Always verify the debt before acknowledging it.
- ❌ Don't pay anything until you have a written agreement. Verbal agreements mean nothing. Get all terms in writing before you send any money.
- ❌ Don't let them pressure you into immediate payment. Collection agents often create artificial urgency. They claim offers expire soon or threaten immediate legal action. Take your time to make informed decisions.
- ❌ Don't rely on medical provider records alone. Just because your doctor's office says you owe money doesn't mean the amount is correct. Review itemized bills carefully. Check for billing errors, duplicate charges, or services you didn't receive.
- ❌ Don't assume insurance covered everything they should have. Medical billing errors are common. Sometimes insurance companies deny claims they should pay. Review your Explanation of Benefits carefully.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some situations require professional assistance from attorneys or credit counselors.
Consider hiring a consumer rights attorney if USCB America violated the FDCPA or HIPAA. Many consumer attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win. Initial consultations are often free.
An attorney can help if USCB America sues you. Don't ignore a lawsuit. Respond within the required time frame, typically 20-30 days. An attorney can help you file an answer and potentially negotiate a settlement.
Credit counseling services can help if you're overwhelmed by medical debt and other financial obligations. Non-profit credit counselors can review your situation, create a budget, and sometimes negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
Some credit counseling agencies offer debt management plans. These programs consolidate your debts into a single monthly payment the agency distributes to your creditors. This can make managing multiple debts easier.
Be careful with for-profit debt settlement companies. Some charge high fees and provide little value. Research any company thoroughly before signing up. Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau and read consumer reviews.
Legal aid societies provide free legal help to low-income individuals. If you can't afford an attorney, contact your local legal aid office. They may be able to help with debt collection issues.
USCB America: Bottom Line
USCB America is a legitimate medical debt collection agency that works with hundreds of hospitals across the United States. If they contact you, it's likely about an unpaid medical bill from a healthcare provider.
You have significant legal rights under the FDCPA and HIPAA. USCB America must follow strict rules about how they contact you and what they can say.
Always verify any debt before paying. Request written validation proving you owe the money and USCB America has the right to collect it.
Never let them pressure you into immediate payment. Take time to review your options, check your records, and make informed decisions.
Negotiate if possible. Collection agencies often accept less than the full amount. Get any agreement in writing before you pay.
If you can't afford to pay, don't ignore the situation. Communicate with USCB America about hardship options. Consider consulting with a consumer attorney or credit counselor.
Medical debt affects tens of millions of Americans. You're not alone in facing this challenge. Understanding your rights and options puts you in the best position to resolve the debt favorably.
The key is taking action rather than avoiding the problem. Informed consumers who understand their rights achieve much better outcomes when dealing with debt collectors like USCB America.