Should I take a home equity loan to pay off the 17,000 in medical bills I have?

I got these medical bills from a recent surgery and its causing a huge financial strain on me. I make enough to live comfortably, but not enough to live comfortably and pay this incredible amount of money every month. I am just wondering, since interest rates are so low right now, is it the right time to take out a home equity loan?

Why would you transfer an unsecured debt into something that could result in the loss of your home if you default?

A payment is a payment. Make the payment to the hospital, not to your mortgage lendor.

I am completely against HomeEquity Loans because if you can't pay that bill they have every right to foreclose on your home. I don't ever want to use up the equity I have invested in my home... That's the only major purchase where I actually make money from it. So my vote is don't do that...especially when it won't increase the value of your home...such as a remodel, etc.

How big are the bills? If you just need a small amount of money, I suggest that you apply for a home equity credit line instead of a loan so that you will have to pay interest for only the amount that you actually spend.

Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/Home-Improvement-grants-and-loans

Very likely. Talk to your banker, and compare the rates he quotes against whatever rates the hospital wants in finance charges.