Healthcare bill went to collections. Now that health bills don't report to your credit, is there any downside to just paying it?

I was going through a dark time, and accidentally let a healthcare bill of $40 go to collections.

I know I can probably call the hospital and get them to pull it back from collections and pay it, but I am curious:

My understanding is that healthcare bills can no longer go to your credit report. What are the pros and cons of paying it directly to the credit agency vs paying it through the hospital?