This seriously can backfire, though. The hospitals where I lived... they took folks to collections. They would take you to court for a fairly low amount of money and garnish your wages. Sure, it takes longer, but they'll get their money. IIRC, in the state I lived in, they can take 25% of your pay as long as they leave you an amount equal to 30 hours at minimum wage.
It generally just takes years longer.