Hospital Harassment

[Melizzy]

I had brain surgery 18 months ago. I had really good insurance. UCLA Medical Center was contractually obligated to honor my insurance agreement. Well, that left a 13k balance. They have threatened to put me in collections and my insurance "escalation team" has stepped in. Can you believe?

[SageMother]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melizzy

I had brain surgery 18 months ago. I had really good insurance. UCLA Medical Center was contractually obligated to honor my insurance agreement. Well, that left a 13k balance. They have threatened to put me in collections and my insurance "escalation team" has stepped in. Can you believe?

That really bites! It is too bad that the people who collect money aren't also sensitive enough to understand the limitations people face. My heart goes out to you.

[randomthoughts1875]

I find the hospitals actions absolutely ridiculous. Most if not all hospitals have programs in place to assist with these types of situations. If there are no programs in place, they should certainly be willing to negotiate a payment schedule with you, rather than handing you over to collections. This just sickens me...my heart goes out to you as well and I hope you are able to find a viable solution.

[moonmagick]

I feel for you. I hope things work out. I can't believe that the hospital would do such a thing. They are supposed to be there to help people, but it seems all most of them are interested in is money.

[Melizzy]

Here's the deal...I don't owe them the money! They have a flat rate contract with my insurance and that is binding. My insurance company is like, "UCLA Med. is in breech of their contract. You do not owe this."

[katharina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melizzy

Here's the deal...I don't owe them the money! They have a flat rate contract with my insurance and that is binding. My insurance company is like, "UCLA Med. is in breech of their contract. You do not owe this."

This makes all the difference, yes! I'm sure there are many people who
try to get out paying bills they piled up but boy, this is really nasty when
it's not even your bill! What do they say (that department of the hospital)
when you explain it... that this isn't your bill, and they're harassing you?

[Calypso]

God, how awful Melizzy! If you can afford it, it may be time to get a lawyer and tell the hospital to direct all further communication to him/her.

If you can't afford a lawyer, write one letter to the hospital explaining your position, who you have talked to, when you have been contacted, etc. Enclose a copy of your insurance company's assessment that they are in breech of contract. Keep a copy of the letter and any communication from the insurance company for yourself.

From then on, whenever the hospital calls, say, "I do not owe you any money. I sent you evidence of that on [date]. I have nothing further to say to you." Then hang up.

[moonmagick]

That makes it even crazier. I am wondering if I am going to run into similar harassment from the birth of my son. I just recieved a bill the other day saying insurance hadn't paid in full yet, and I am no longer under that carrier even though I was when I had him. Dealing with hospital billing is a hassle I would rather not deal with, so I don't envy you at all.

[ninikins]

Sorry to hear about your trouble! How are you getting on with sorting things out?

[shalamar]

and this sounds crazy, send them $25.00 a month. Make certain is is certified, if they take you to collection or court and have refused your payment they can not do anything. As long as you have proof you have tried to settle the debt.

Another thing, contact your insurance company and ask them what is going on, did you know that some hospitals don't file all the paperwork and you are responsible to file it.

Now would be a good time to check into it a little bit deeper.