Teela Renee, sorry to hear that you're struggling. Please don't give up - I've been there in absolute financial ruin, and it's the most depressing thing ever. But like most things in life, it'll pass eventually. Trust me. You sound like you're dedicated to getting out of these financial problems, you're not ignoring them, and that means you'll find a way. It's not easy, it's not quick, and it's going to take some more of the hard work that you've already put in.
A couple of things. First, focus on the future. I'm going to ask that you ignore the advice about challenging the validity of the debt, or seeking legal help, or suing the lender/bank, because all of that is an absolute waste of valuable time and money.
This isn't directed at you, Teela Renee, but at everyone. No lawyer will touch this case, not just because there likely is absolutely no case whatsoever (the money was owed, and medical collections at the hospital level is highly-evolved, efficient, and generally 100% legit, with very few mistakes), but because a lawyer will charge far more in legal fees than he or she would recover. Why spend $5,000 in legal fees over a $1,800 bill with no chance of punitive or compensatory damages? Makes no sense. It might make sense if the bill was genuinely in dispute and was for $50,000, with clearly illegal collections practices, but over an undisputed $1,800 bill? Nah.
When cases like this go to court, the hospital's lawyer will generally take in fifty or so similar matters all in one go, a big pile of collections files. The judge will spend a minute on each case. Here's what happens:
Judge: "Ok, case twenty-seven. Is Ms. Debtor here?"
Debtor: "Yes, your honor."
Attorney for hospital: (Hands judge hospital bill and other docs.) "Ms. Debtor has failed to pay this bill. She owes $2,000. Here's where we sent the required warnings by mail."
Judge: (Looks at bill, then looks at Debtor.) "Ms. Debtor, do you dispute this bill?"
Debtor: "No, your honor, but (insert argument about fairness or didn't receive warnings or sob story about being ill or whatever)..."
Judge: "Judgment in favor of the hospital, plus court costs. Next."
What will be far more productive is to work on practical strategies for getting out of debt:
1. Great job on increasing your income by working extra shifts. It's miserable, but bringing in more money is just about the only way to pay off debt. I'm proud of you for doing this.
2. If you want to build up savings while you're in debt, save in cash. That $1,800 should not have been in the bank. Creditors can get at it, and in this case they did. All of your savings need to be off the radar.
3. You're doing exactly the right thing by calling the creditor and trying to work it out. Everyone, if you have debts that are past due, call the creditor and address the issue. Most are willing to work out payment plans, reduce interest rates, some (like hospitals) might reduce balances in return for a lump sum payment. It's unpleasant to deal with, but if accounts go to collection, you're often in a far worse position than if the matter had been dealt with beforehand.
Teela Renee, again, your situation absolutely sucks at the moment, but you're doing the right things. Creditors appreciate that, and I think this will work out in the end.
