Can I legally be billed for a medical service that was provided2 years ago?
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Can I legally be billed for a medical service that was provided2 years ago?
Recently, I received a bill for the remaining balance (after insurance paid) on a surgery center facility fee. I called the ASC billing office to inquire why I am just now receiving a bill, for the first time, 2 years after the service. They explained that it took them that long to get the insurance to pay their 80% of the claim and that I now owe the remaining balance. To me, this in unacceptable. I have long thought all the bills for my procedure were paid. I know there are timely filing laws regarding insurance billing, but Is there any sort of laws protecting me from this sort of thing?
Asked on July 1, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Washington
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I can not believe that this is the first that you have heard about the issue of collection. Usually hospitals companies send you too many pieces of paper detailing all that you owe to them. And all those EOB's - Explanation of Benefit forms - from the insurance companies. You can usually wallpaper a bathroom with them for one procedure. But the answer to your question is if the hospital is within their time frame to collect - and that usually means to sue - then they have a right to collect. You signed an agreement to pay that portion that the insurance did not. I would check on those EOB's and see what you got. Good luck to you.
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