my drs bills not getting paid by insurer cuz of former employer screwup!!

[sandrawg]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

California

Ever since my (former) employer went to a self-insured program, I've had nothing but problems with my drs bills getting paid. I say former employer, cuz I was laid off 2 months ago.

Right now I'm receiving letters from collection agencies about unpaid doctor bills that should've been paid by the insurance co MONTHS ago. When I called the insurance company, I was told that they had put a hold on my former employer's account. I'm assuming that this is because my former employer didn't pay their bills but I'm only speculating - the ins co won't reveal to me why this is the case. All they say is "there are some administrative difficulties they're trying to work out."

Meanwhile I'm supposed to let myself get sued for these bills I shouldn't have to pay?????

Last week I was dealing with this issue and when I called my former employer's accounting manager I was told it was already worked out. But I called the insurance co this morning just to doublecheck, and they said there is still a hold on the account.

What the h am I supposed to do here?? Can I sue my former employer? Can I sue the health insurance co for not paying the bills??? I have no idea what to do here and don't want my credit to be affected by these stupid collection agency actions.

[ecmst12]

Are the claims being DENIED or just pended/put on hold? If your doctors participate with the insurance, and the claims are not being denied outright, then they have to wait and work it out with the insurance company; they can't just bill you.

[sandrawg]

The claims are on hold, not denied.

But that's not stopping the drs from not only billing me but sending the bills to collections. My primary care doctor billing specialist even told me she refuses to talk to my insurance.

So what do I do now?

[ecmst12]

Is the doctor in network? If so, call your insurance company and tell them the doctor is billing you and they need to educate them on the obligations in their contract.