The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Welcome and General Discussion => Topic started by: ltt on March 27, 2015, 12:24:06 PM
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To make a long story short, we paid money towards a medical bill that we appealed. As it turns out, the bill was paid by our insurance company, so money is owed us. We have not had any luck having our money refunded to us. We are not located in the same state as the provider. How do we go about getting our money? We have emailed and were told the end of January in an email (we expected the money back at the end of December) that a refund would be processed and would take 30-45 days. We're almost at 60 days. Suggestions??
In another general question not pertaining to this necessarily, but how come most medical providers want their money upfront, but do not want to refund money once there is a credit on the account. I don't run into this often, but once in a while. I find it ridiculous.
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I'd try calling the provider. If that doesn't get a response or you're reluctant to spend what might be a long time on long-distance hold, I'd send a certified letter.
In either case, be sure to reference the email from January stating the expected date for the refund. Have all necessary information--case number, appeal number, everything--close at hand.
Good luck!
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Did you pay it on a credit card? If so, you may be able to dispute the charge.
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No, I paid with a check.
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I would involve your insurance carrier. They don't want the provider double paid - lodge a complaint with the insurance carrier and ask them for assistance w/ getting your refund. They will have a lot more clout with the physician than you do.
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If this is a small clinic, have you talked with the provider directly? They may not even know there is an issue if the billing people are the only ones involved.
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I would send a request by letter stating all the facts and clearly requesting a refund of the amount paid. The important part is to cc the Attorney General of the state of the provider, the Better Business Bureau and the state's insurance commissioner.
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General order:
1. Contact the provider.
2. Contact the insurance company.
3. File a complaint with the state department of insurance.
My guess is the insurance company can deal with it though.
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The only success I've had with med billing issues is to makd a pest of myself until the case gets "escalated" to a person who has the authority to set aside the procedural protocol and talk money. Some will actually dream up an equivilent dollar valued reason and adjust the bill, kind of like a police officer reducing a speeding ticket to an equipment infraction. Don't worry about justice, just get what you can.