Hospital Charges

[Jake1228]

What is the name of your state? MA

I had gone to the hospital ER with chest pain - fortunately it was only anxiety - but spent 18 hours in the ER. The hospital assigned me to a room but never took me there.

Now - after my insurance company and Medicare paid the hospital - they are charging me over $600 - I called and explained about the room - but that went no where - with my second call I was told that someone would call me back - and that never happened. I have sent them 2 payments - this weekend I got a bill stating that this was the 3rd and final request for payment IN FULL or it will be turned over to a collection agency. What can I do - I don't have the money to send in full -can they send me to a collection agency even though I am sending in monthly payments? Thank you for your help. Jake

[Veronica1228]

Originally Posted by Jake1228

What is the name of your state? MA

I had gone to the hospital ER with chest pain - fortunately it was only anxiety - but spent 18 hours in the ER. The hospital assigned me to a room but never took me there.

Now - after my insurance company and Medicare paid the hospital - they are charging me over $600 - I called and explained about the room - but that went no where - with my second call I was told that someone would call me back - and that never happened. I have sent them 2 payments - this weekend I got a bill stating that this was the 3rd and final request for payment IN FULL or it will be turned over to a collection agency. What can I do - I don't have the money to send in full -can they send me to a collection agency even though I am sending in monthly payments? Thank you for your help. Jake

Legally, there is not much that you can do. You were treated at the hospital and they expect to receive payment. You really should call them and see if they will ALLOW you to set up a payment plan. You just can't take it upon yourself to set up a plan and expect them to accept it. You'll have to try and work it out with them.

[Ladynred]

If you have a dispute over the billing you need to go to the hospital and TALK to someone in their billing office. You have a legal right to see a complete ITEMIZED list of charges and you have the right to dispute them. You need to stop talking on the phone and get yourself TO the hospital.

All hospitals have programs available for people who cannot pay their bills in full, I suggest you talk to them about this ASAP BEFORE it goes to collections.