they overpaid me $22,000!

[alanpop]

What is the name of your state? foreign resident, last in Hawaii. I'm an American citizen, working for an American Company overseas, and have Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida insurance. I've been submitting claims for my wife and child for 1-2 years without much result. Worked fine when we were in the States. The hospital here isn't in the "BC/BS provider group", or "Doesn't have a id number". Finally started getting payments of $32, or $7, and 30 cents! They decided to make the payments out to me, not the hospital or doctors. They still owe me approx $2,000 for hospital bills.

Yesterday, I got a check made out to me for $22,000. The explanation attached says something about cardiology, so it's not ours, but has my name on it. Should I cash it and take out the $2,000, and return the rest? How about cashing it and waiting for them to ask for it back? I hate to send it back since I've got nothing but the runaround for the last year or two.

What are the legal issues? Would it be fraud if I cashed it, and waited to hear from them, then send them a check? That's what I'm inclined to do.

[ellencee]

alanpop
You appear to be an honest guy that knows the answer. Don't miss your opportunity to let BC/BS know you are honest in your dealings with them and to remind them that you expect the same: payment for your covered medical expenses in the return mail just as you did not delay their money.
EC

[alanpop]

I like your reasoning, FWIW! I deposited the check in the bank, have to wait 10 days for it to clear. Will see what happens.

I think I might transfer it to my money market savings, or invest it in a 3 month CD, and keep the interest. Who knows how long it will take for them to ask for it back? I plan to send the $22,000 back when they ask for it, and will use certified mail, with signature receipt so I know they got it.

What would the statute of limitations be for me? I live in Japan, don't pay federal, or state income taxes since I'm covered under the Foreign Earned income exclusion "Physical Presence" test in the IRS rules. Last filed state taxes 2 years ago in Hawaii. If anyone knows how to find out about the SOL, I'd be interested. But I'm not planning on touching it, as I'm sure they will catch it someday.

[pty]

Originally Posted by alanpop

I plan to send the $22,000 back when they ask for it

Just something for you to consider--while you're keeping all the money, the guy that it's actually owed to, is doing without it.

[somarco]

Years ago, when ATM's first appeared on the scene, I recall making a $20 withdrawal. Much to my surprise the machine kicked out 10 crisp, new $20 bills. Not only that, but my withdrawal slip showed $20 withdrawn, and my ending balance was $999,999.99 (not any where close to accurate).

This was a weekend. The following Monday I went to the bank with $180 in my hand and returned the money.

Seems my withdrawal was not the only one with a "gift". The machine had spit out $200 to everyone who made a withdrawal until the till was dry.

Late AM Monday, I was the only one who had returned the overage. I also discovered the bank had no idea who had receive the amount requested, and who had received $200.

I never regretted returning the $180 which I knew was not rightfully mine.

I did however keep the receipt for several months and showed people how my balance on that day was a penny short of $1M.

[noisefrazzle]

So much for setting a good example for one's children. Gag.

[noisefrazzle]

Originally Posted by FWIW

Oh, no, not a "but what about the chiilllldreeeennnnn??!!!" post. Gag is right.

This guys kid could probably use some new school supplies with the money the insurance company rightfully owes daddy.

Nobody seemed partcularly concerned about it then. It a good example to see the insurance company screw daddy, but a bad example to see daddy finally deposit his check.

Not saying capitalism doesn't need folks like you. You are raising the next generation on whom the wealthy will capitalize. It's a delecate balance of predator and prey. We need you both.

So yeah, give the check back now. Hury up. For the children. Kaitlyn needs a new Beemer and daddy's twenty grand short.

You don't want her showing up to Tufts in a Ford do you????

Animal!

Your rambling post made me laugh. I'm so obviously the superior human being here that I am not going to bother breaking down your inane (insane?) comments. Suffice it to say that nothing you said made sense and that you might want to run spell check now and then. Also, I am already wealthy, just an FYI.

Bye!

NF

PS: Please do respond with more ramblings! Anything you say will only confirm my opinion of you.