Debtors PRISON

"Well the collection company files a small claims lawsuit. If you fail to appear, or file a responsive pleading, or make some other common legal mistake, or simply have the collection agency claim they served you by mail (allowed in many cases where the claims are not large) when they really didn't because you've moved, (were) in the hospital at the time, or they just flat out lied in their affidavit of service, the court can hold you in contempt of court. And that's when the sheriff deputies or state troopers may show up at your door to place those handcuffs on you, sick, disabled or whatever."

http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/910820/get_sick._can%27t_pay_go_to_jail%21/#paragraph6