it is a violation of the FDCPA to call an employee while working to settle a debt--they are only allowed to call to verify your employment--that's it. Also, they have to honor your request to not call you at all, if you ask to communicate in writing only
also, be especially strict about NOT agreeing to your debt--doing so starts your state's statute of limitations all over again for debt acceptance--all you have to tell them is to verify any debt in writing--they have 30 days to do so---please, be VERY strict about what you say!!
if you are in the middle of paying your debt or earlier or later, and you have to pay a hospital bill but cannot, you can apply for "free bed funds" (financial assistance, generally from hospital charities). Once you mail that letter or submit that application, ALL debt collection stops until a hospital decision is rendered. Not many debtors know this. "Most" states have this law.