Hi everyone - I need some help here.
Here is the situation:
Back in 2004, I had an ER visit. Apparently, the company that bills for the doctors in the ER did not used the correct ID number when submitting the claim to my insurance company and the ER visit was billed to me. The debt was sold last year to a collection agency. I never heard from either the billing company or the collection agency regarding this debt. The only reason I found out about it was because I pulled my credit report this week.
I've been back and forth with the collection agency (via email and phone) and my old insurance company (via phone). The rep at the collection agency has faxed a letter to the insurance company with the info needed to put the claim through again, but according to the insurance company there is a good chance the claim is going to be denied. I've also received a demand for payment letter (via email) from the collection agency - which I've been told is my copy of the letter to the insurance company.
Now the the situation is explained - here are my questions -
Should I draft a letter response to the demand for payment letter from the collection agency stating that the payment should come from the insurance company and I do not claim responsibility for the debt? Should the letter state something else?
IF the insurance company DOES deny my claim - should I try and settle with the collection agency? My account balance is now 200 dollars higher than the original debt. Should I try and settle for a percentage of the original amount due or the current amount due? Obviously, I would require a pay for deletion settlement - but I have to idea what amount to negotiate on!
Thanks ! :D
This is definatley a frustrating situation and a good reason why a person should keep a close eye on their credit report. Like you I found this out the same way. The insurance company more than likely will not even consider paying this debt because of the age of it. I feel that maybe you should try to contact the original creditor and show them the proof that this debt was sent through with the wrong id number. I am not saying this will work but it sure seems unfair that you are stuck with a bill because of a clerical error. If it was me and I was to settle I would try to settle for half the original medical bill. I want you to check back because there are others here that will take a peek at this and advise you also. I am speaking from my experience and I couldn't get anyone to work with me when this same thing happened to me a few years ago. It was a small amount and I recently just paid.
Have you tried filing a complaint with your attorney generals office, I always include a complaint to them no matter what I am dealing with. Our attorney generals office will take the time to look into every complaint made, they are awesome representation of the residents of pennsylvania.
Didn't thinkl of that one. I do believe that they should be held accountable and not be due money if the error were on there part.