Victim of flawed billing practices!

[eshorter_1]

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

I recently received a bill from a health care provider. The bill was for services rendered in 10/22/07, my insurance company paid on 11/06/07. The health care provider sent me this bill dated 11/30/2008 an entire year later! My concern is that had I not come to Florida for the holidays I would have not known about this bill thus resulting in negative activity on my credit report which could potentially cause denial of credit or possible employment.

Is there a mortorium or a statue of limitiations for healthcare providers to bill for services? I explained to the billing official that the bill should not have taken an entire year to reach my address. I claim medical expenses on my Tax returns as well and that their inept bill practices, processes and procedures could have detrimental affects. I personally felt they should have charge the $100.00 bill off.

Also, when I called to pay the $100.00, I was informed that is was the minimum amount due? Since when do healthcare providers operate like credit card companys. I feel I am being fleeced to make up for revenue short falls.

 

[Zigner]

1) Did you have a question?

2) You haven't made any sort of statement that the bill isn't actually OWED by you. It's your bill - pay it.

3) If the $100 affects your taxes - file an amended return.

 

[Antigone*]

I feel I am being fleeced to make up for revenue short falls.

Old Navy was having a great sale on fleece this weekend ~

Really, victim,

Don't you think there are bigger things to worry about than the hundy you couldn't claim on last year's taxes

Hey YAG...we've got a new victim!!!!

 

[eshorter_1]

While I agree the $100 is not a substantial amount and that one could merely amend their tax return but the possiblity of 2nd and 3rd order affects of flawed billing practices is my source of contention.

I am trying to guage whether or not there is a moritorium on bills or a statue of limitations?

 

[Zigner]

While I agree the $100 is not a substantial amount and that one could merely amend their tax return but the possiblity of 2nd and 3rd order affects of flawed billing practices is my source of contention.

I am trying to guage whether or not there is a moritorium on bills or a statue of limitations?

Statute of limitations - sure. But, it would be (at least) 4 years.

Pay the bill.

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: I am trying to guage whether or not there is a moritorium on bills or a statue of limitations?

A: Yes.

 

[lealea1005]

OP, if you already knew that your insurance company paid your health care provider on 11/30/07, then surely, the same explanation of benefits would have also indicated the amount you were responsible to pay.

You knew you'd owe the provider a portion of the amount for his/her services, and also knew you'd be out of the area. Why didn't you leave a forwarding address with the provider?

 

[ecmst12]

You claim medical expenses on your tax return for the year that you PAY them, not the year when the service occurred. No amended return needed. If you pay in the next few days, you can claim on this year's taxes, otherwise you will have to wait until next year.

 

[Antigone*]

You claim medical expenses on your tax return for the year that you PAY them, not the year when the service occurred. No amended return needed. If you pay in the next few days, you can claim on this year's taxes, otherwise you will have to wait until next year.

...that is only to the extent that the medical expenses exceed 7.5% of his AGI if he itemizes.