Public hospitals can sue patients for medical debt, but work hard to avoid it.
Even with the amount you say is already in collections you still have at least two options available :
• Apply for Medicaid. Under the Affordable Care Act, if you meet low income requirements federal regulations provide that existing bills can be paid for retroactively. This rule covers charges for at least 90 days prior to the date you file, and in some cases longer.
• Request a hardship forgiveness. Contact the hospital finance department and explain your situation. Public hospitals are required by law to provide a certain percentage of services under what’s often referred to as “charity care”. You’ll need to provide information verifying your income, but in many cases hospitals will reduce their charges by half or forgive what you owe entirely.
Some people answering here are offering advice based on their own experience with other kinds of bills and collections. While its true that bankruptcy can discharge your hospital bills completely, keep in mind that you may not need to take that step if you have a non profit advocate on your side. This is especially true with new state and federal rules passed as part of pandemic relief. With the CARES Act and other legislation most aggressive collection actions for medical debt have been suspended.
Check out some resources & protections here :
https://www.usa.gov/help-with-bills#item-36707
Good luck.