💬 AI prompt: A medical bill went to collections

A medical bill went to collections. Details (no account numbers or ID numbers): amount [amount], collector [name], original provider [name], about how old [months/years], payments I've made [amount], my state [state]. Step 1: draft a debt validation letter asking them to prove the debt, to send first. Explain the deadline that usually applies and link the official consumer-protection page. Step 2: tell me what to check in their reply. Step 3: only if the debt checks out, draft a settlement offer letter with a fill-in amount I choose, and explain why to get any deal in writing and ask for a 'paid in full' letter. Don't tell me to admit the debt by phone. I'll send everything myself. Stop after the drafts. Before you stop, remind me this is general information, not professional advice, and suggest [3] questions I should ask a [consumer law attorney or nonprofit credit counselor].