Feeling like a deadbeat
Okay, it’s time to get on my soap box now. I recently had to go to the hospital after having an accident and tearing open one of my toes. To make a long story short, my toe had to be cleaned up and stitched for proper healing. I also had to get and tetanus shot and be put on antibiotics for a week. Seemingly simple. Of course I had insurance that was supposed to cover everything—NOT. I received a billed from the hospital that had an itemized statement on it. That little bitty trip cost almost $900. Yikes! I am thinking, “Well, at least I have insurance to pay for it.”
So, two days ago, I received in the mail a “letter” with an amount due on it from a “service” that says that Physician Emergency Care (yes, I’m naming names because this is outrageous) has requested that the “service” handle their billing. It’s one of those black and white letters with the portion at the bottom to return below with your payment. It additionally says “we received payment on your account, but it did not clear your balance.” And ending with the standard “any information we obtain will be used for the purpose of collecting this debt.”
Collecting a debt?! My goodness, I have insurance, majority of it was paid. This is the first notice that I have received regarding any amount due. Then, to top it all off, I get a phone call today from the “service” trying to collect. I haven’t even had a chance to contact the insurance company or put a check in the mail. This whole thing makes me feel about two inches tall. I’m willing to pay my share, if it’s actually that. Although, my insurance is supposed to cover 100%. Not to mention there was still plenty of money in the medical spending account. I’m sure someone has messed things up somewhere, but who gets to pay for it, I do.
You know they treat you like you’re a deadbeat and like they really need that much money for what they do (but that’s another box for later). I can’t believe they would give you just a couple of days notice then “turn you in for collections.” That’s insane!
We average citizens get stuck between the hospitals and the doctors and the insurance companies. No wonder there are so many sick people in America, they can’t afford healthcare. I’m just glad my toe didn’t totally fall off. I’d hate to think what I’d be up against then.