This year did not start out very well for me as far as hospital/dr bills,etc. Diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast cancer in early January, and had surgery on 1/24/2012. Followed by lots of dr visits and 33 treatments of radiation.

Before I knew about the breast cancer, I went to a EMT to see about my gravely voice. Turned out I had 2 polyps on my vocal chords so scheduled surgery for 3/9 to have those removed. I'm talking so much better now! Thank goodness.

Anyway, I do have Wellmark insurance but have these lingering copay insurance bills that keep coming in. I have gotten behind on those and pay what I can. A couple have just recently been sent to collection. I can't afford to pay all of the copay (which totals over 2,500 or so)

Anyway, my question is, if I pay before the 30 days are up (from the collection company) will that not affect my credit score negatively?
I also filled out financial aid paperwork to assist me with some of these bills but have not heard back yet.

The collection part so far is about 200.00 which I would pay on Friday.
I hope this would prevent any damage to my credit score?
Thanks