Clinic did not check my eligibility for med. insurance and charging me for it

Where are you getting the idea that it is the clinic's responsibility to check your medical insurance? Unless your policy SPECIFICALLY says otherwise, it is YOUR responsibility, not the provider's, to confirm what providers and what treatments are covered.

 

No, although you may believe otherwise, it is your responsibility to pay your medical bills.

All you have is what you heard, none of it in writing, which won't get too far in court.

If you have a beef, it might be with your insurer.

The clinic does not have take any health insurance.

They aren't required, YET, to provide a service today and get paid in the future.

It might be what some call, unfair, but it isn't illegal!


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Does the policy say, in so many words, "It is the responsibility of the provider to confirm insurance eligibility"?

If it does not, then it is your responsibility and you are responsible for the bill, regardless of who made the mistake.

 

When you post on a public board, you do not get to control who answers.

I have 30 years direct experience with health insurance plans; is that good enough for you?

 

Well, that's too bad, because I've given you the correct legal answer. It is NOT the responsibility of the provider to check your insurance unless your policy SPECIFICALLY says it is.

I can tell you what your recourse is if your policy DOES specifically say that too. Are you sure you don't want me to answer?

 

Well, that's too bad, because I'm going to tell you anyway.

If your policy does have language making it the responsiblity of the provider, you contact your insurance carrier. They will have a department called Provider Relations, or something along that line. The Provider Relations department will be able to assist you - they will notify the provider on your behalf that you are not responsible for the bill and they will take whatever action against the provider that is necessary.

If you are unclear as to whether you are liable for the bill or not, contact Provider Relations - they will also be able to tell you whether you have any liablity to pay the provider or not.

Now, if you choose to disregard me because you are not satisfied with my qualifications, you are free to see if a tax attorney or real estate attorney can give you an answer you like better than mine. After all, they are "real attorneys" even though they don't work directly with this, and I do.

Did I mention that there are a couple of attorneys, and one judge, who call me to ask how to manage their staff benefit issues?

Oh, that's right. You don't want to hear what I have to say.

 

Why, thank you. If you have cookies, I'd be delighted to have one.

As I said, if you want to contact a "real lawyer" rather than someone who works with the issue every day of her working life, that's your call. Feel free to pay an attorney $250-$300 to get the same answer.

 

And here I though you were offering me a cookie. I'm so disappointed.:dgrin

I'm aware that many attorneys give free consultations, particularly in the field of personal injury. But this is not a personal injury case.

 

Have a nice day.