Also worth noting that unless the OP's name is attached to the estate then not paying the bill will not affect his/her credit score, and UVM med can go suck a dick.

It's always good to keep in mind that any time a creditor threatens you, there is still only so much they can do. So unless they can come after you personally, I say let them send the notices and beg all they want. By the end the calendar year it becomes nothing more than a loss/write-off for them anyway.