Don't have a pretend heart attack and go to the ER

[Indian Charlie]

What did I tell you dude?

Now that your dream of getting out of not getting raped by the hospital has ended, call them and set up an appointment to talk to them.

Tell them you lost your job and you are going to declare bankruptcy, and that if they don't greatly reduce your bill, they aren't even going to get a cent from you. Of course, make them think that you want to do the right thing and pay them, just that you cannot, or will not, pay anything close to that amount.

If they go to collections, big freakin whoop. After awhile, the worst that will happen is that you get some calls. After awhile, if that annoys you, accept one of their settlement offers. You'll end up paying a ton less.

Or offer something up yourself to one of the collection agencies.