This month's bill/statement from one of my medical providers has something new on it that's got me going WTF?! They acknowledged only 1/3 of my payment and listed the rest of it as "Bad Credit Write Off". WTF? I haven't seen anything like this before.
(A bit of history: I incurred a big medical bill 5 years ago. I had called the business office and worked out a payment plan. I've been faithfully sending a check every month since day 1. Really glad now that I've kept bank statements & receipts of everything going back 7 years!)
Has anyone else had this experience? Is this even legal?
I've called the business office. Got their voice mail so I left a message. They haven't called back yet. It's been 2 days. Tonight, I'm looking up #s for the Better Business Bureau, lawyers, etc. but I'm not sure who I should be calling about this. I don't want my credit affected by their (?) mistake (?)....
Any advice?
I am pretty sure that's illegal! They can charge interest, but that can't simply refuse to acknowledge part of your payment.
Call the Attorney General"s Office for your state. They should have a consumer protection line or something of that nature.
I've had very good results with the AG's office in both TX and MA.
The Better Business Bureau isn't what it's cracked up to be. I've been told that approved businesses simply get listed with them and they can lose their listing, but the BBB doesn't actually do anything. Haven't verified this, but I've had plenty of bosses laugh after an irate customer came in and threatened them with the BBB.
Go with the AG.
I don't think they're allowed to charge interest on medical bills. :cn:
I have the same issue on the bill from the car accident last August. I'm trying to figure out what's going on. "Bad Credit" anything doesn't sound good to me. I have perfect credit and don't want it getting messed up somehow.
The company has decided to treat the unpaid portion as a "write off", which means they can claim it as a loss on their taxes. However, you are still obligated to pay it. It will affect your credit rating, and could be sold to an outside collections company. In fact, that may be what happened. I'm not sure how it works in your state, but they should have contacted you, or there should be something in your agreement about it.
They may also send you a 1099-C if they are "writing off" part the balance. This means you will be responsible for the taxable portion of the written off amount.
Check with them for sure and also send them a written letter of dispute for the portion that they are considering a write off. Sending along a copy of the receipt for your payments that they are claiming as a write off.
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 12:58:13 PM
The company has decided to treat the unpaid portion as a "write off", which means they can claim it as a loss on their taxes. However, you are still obligated to pay it. It will affect your credit rating, and could be sold to an outside collections company. In fact, that may be what happened. I'm not sure how it works in your state, but they should have contacted you, or there should be something in your agreement about it.
From what she said, it sounds like they failed to apply part her payment to the balance, which is a different situation.
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 04:49:29 AM
They acknowledged only 1/3 of my payment and listed the rest of it as "Bad Credit Write Off".
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 03:54:10 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 12:58:13 PM
The company has decided to treat the unpaid portion as a "write off", which means they can claim it as a loss on their taxes. However, you are still obligated to pay it. It will affect your credit rating, and could be sold to an outside collections company. In fact, that may be what happened. I'm not sure how it works in your state, but they should have contacted you, or there should be something in your agreement about it.
From what she said, it sounds like they failed to apply part her payment to the balance, which is a different situation.
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 04:49:29 AM
They acknowledged only 1/3 of my payment and listed the rest of it as "Bad Credit Write Off".
Yes, that's what they did. That's what really threw me off. I almost wonder if they're listing it that way so they can later claim I didn't hold up my end of the agreement. (?)
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 12, 2011, 05:47:24 AM
Call the Attorney General"s Office for your state. They should have a consumer protection line or something of that nature.
I've had very good results with the AG's office in both TX and MA.
The Better Business Bureau isn't what it's cracked up to be. I've been told that approved businesses simply get listed with them and they can lose their listing, but the BBB doesn't actually do anything. Haven't verified this, but I've had plenty of bosses laugh after an irate customer came in and threatened them with the BBB.
Go with the AG.
*making a note* Thank you!
Quote from: navkat on May 12, 2011, 06:44:54 AM
I don't think they're allowed to charge interest on medical bills. :cn:
I'll add this to my note for when I call the Attorney General's Office. If they can't charge interest, it's possible I have a refund coming. 5 years of interest....*trying not to get excited yet*
Called the AG & got the Consumer Protection #. They must be really busy today. :? Left a message. Hoping I'll hear back from them today. If not, I'll call again tomorrow.
Hmm. In that case, I can see this scenario:
They have written off the remainder of the debt, which means the non-applied 2/3 would be treated as an overpayment, and they may mail you a check for that amount in a week or so.
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 04:54:47 PM
Hmm. In that case, I can see this scenario:
They have written off the remainder of the debt, which means the non-applied 2/3 would be treated as an overpayment, and they may mail you a check for that amount in a week or so.
That would be great to get a check back from them!
I wish their business office would hurry up and return my calls. Day 3 and they're still silent. Tried calling them again this morning & got punted to voice mail right away. That seems really off to me. They're not a big outfit like Mayo, but still...someone's usually at the phones during business hours.
Sounds like someone's playing monkeyfuck with their taxes.
It also means that they may have sold your debt to a collection agency. Which sucks.
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 05:42:16 PM
It also means that they may have sold your debt to a collection agency. Which sucks.
Which means she has 30 days from the first contact with said agency to dispute the claim.
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 05:42:16 PM
It also means that they may have sold your debt to a collection agency. Which sucks.
Would they do that even though they're getting a payment each month? Is it the age of the original charge they look at?
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 12, 2011, 05:40:37 PM
Sounds like someone's playing monkeyfuck with their taxes.
Could they be held liable if it ends up screwing with my credit?
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 05:42:16 PM
It also means that they may have sold your debt to a collection agency. Which sucks.
Would they do that even though they're getting a payment each month? Is it the age of the original charge they look at?
Unless you had a written agreement, I believe they can do that if they choose.
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 06:07:04 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 12, 2011, 05:40:37 PM
Sounds like someone's playing monkeyfuck with their taxes.
Could they be held liable if it ends up screwing with my credit?
No. But they may be able to provide something you can add to your credit report explaining the situation.
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 06:10:39 PM
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 05:42:16 PM
It also means that they may have sold your debt to a collection agency. Which sucks.
Would they do that even though they're getting a payment each month? Is it the age of the original charge they look at?
Unless you had a written agreement, I believe they can do that if they choose.
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 06:07:04 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 12, 2011, 05:40:37 PM
Sounds like someone's playing monkeyfuck with their taxes.
Could they be held liable if it ends up screwing with my credit?
No. But they may be able to provide something you can add to your credit report explaining the situation.
That sucks. The bolded is a comforting thought, though. :-)
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 04:39:02 PM
Called the AG & got the Consumer Protection #. They must be really busy today. :? Left a message. Hoping I'll hear back from them today. If not, I'll call again tomorrow.
They've always called me back in 24 hours or less. If by some fluke they don't call you, you can probably file a complaint online. It's obviously better to talk to a person, though.
What does the place you actually received the bill from have to say?
Quote from: Khara on May 12, 2011, 08:16:54 PM
What does the place you actually received the bill from have to say?
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 05:30:00 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 04:54:47 PM
Hmm. In that case, I can see this scenario:
They have written off the remainder of the debt, which means the non-applied 2/3 would be treated as an overpayment, and they may mail you a check for that amount in a week or so.
That would be great to get a check back from them!
I wish their business office would hurry up and return my calls. Day 3 and they're still silent. Tried calling them again this morning & got punted to voice mail right away. That seems really off to me. They're not a big outfit like Mayo, but still...someone's usually at the phones during business hours.
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 12, 2011, 05:42:16 PM
It also means that they may have sold your debt to a collection agency. Which sucks.
Would they do that even though they're getting a payment each month? Is it the age of the original charge they look at?
As far as I know once you are on a payment plan set up by the company you are good. If you are just paying some each month without an official plan, then that can end up you up with bill collection depending on the age of the bill.
Here's the weird part about my situation, I've never once received a bill from the hospital. Not one! Not from a collection agency either. The hospital was working with health insurance and car insurance, turned it over to a collection agency due to three parties being involved, they got the health insurance to pay, turned it back over to the hospital and now there is no balance. There SHOULD have been a balance, but there isn't, just that "Bad Credit" thing. I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I don't want my credit score messed with.
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 12, 2011, 07:07:14 PM
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 04:39:02 PM
Called the AG & got the Consumer Protection #. They must be really busy today. :? Left a message. Hoping I'll hear back from them today. If not, I'll call again tomorrow.
They've always called me back in 24 hours or less. If by some fluke they don't call you, you can probably file a complaint online. It's obviously better to talk to a person, though.
That's good to know, too. I'm grateful you told me about them. :-)
Yeah, I saw that, but I thought you would have continued trying to call them, like every ten minutes until someone called you back.
Stopping at one or two messages with places like this don't always get you anywhere.
You have a point.
I dont have any advice, but I do have to say, I fucking LOVE my socialist state healthcare.
Id really be fucked without it. My meds cost the state about £100 a month. I get them free.
Quote from: Pixie on May 12, 2011, 10:46:09 PM
I dont have any advice, but I do have to say, I fucking LOVE my socialist state healthcare.
Id really be fucked without it. My meds cost the state about £100 a month. I get them free.
<-------so jealous! The out-of-pocket co-pays for my meds come close to $100 a month. I am grateful that insurance covers what it does though, otherwise I'd be shit outta luck.
After insurance paid, I owe $600 for my ovarian ultrasound. I had to apply for financial assistance, and really all that means is I get to set up a payment plan.
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
Ouch, that's a hefty charge for a 20 min. ultrasound.
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 11:52:41 PM
Ouch, that's a hefty charge for a 20 min. ultrasound.
Yeah, I'm kind of wondering how the hell they justify it.
:argh!:
this is one reason I am glad I never moved to the states. Seriously the healthcare system there is fucked. Plus my ex was a loser who probably would not hve had decent insurance.
I fucking hate capitalism.
When I take over, I'm going to give this country a cruel dose of true fascism so they learn to STFU.
Quote from: Suu on May 13, 2011, 12:04:12 AM
I fucking hate capitalism.
When I take over, I'm going to give this country a cruel dose of true fascism so they learn to STFU.
After your rise to power, will you make it so mammograms and pap smears come with a box of chocolate and a note of apology? I'd support your regime for that.
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 11:49:00 PM
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
I had one of those several years ago. I found out because I was dancing and all the jumping about burst it and it started bleeding internally, I blacked out and had to be taken to the ER, it ended up costing me $3000+ for the whole 2 hour ER visit! This was about 8 years ago and I'd just switched jobs and my insurance coverage wasn't active yet.
EveHill, my credit was shitty at the time so I just fucked with the collection agencies that called for a few years and didn't bother even trying to make payments. After a few years I had enough cash to pay it off and was cleaning my credit up, so I called them and they ended up settling for a payment of $2000.
tl;dr version: I don't have any advice for you, but I'd keep calling them and being an ass about it till they explained to your satisfaction or fixed it.
Quote from: Aloe on May 13, 2011, 03:48:32 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 11:49:00 PM
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
I had one of those several years ago. I found out because I was dancing and all the jumping about burst it and it started bleeding internally, I blacked out and had to be taken to the ER, it ended up costing me $3000+ for the whole 2 hour ER visit! This was about 8 years ago and I'd just switched jobs and my insurance coverage wasn't active yet.
EveHill, my credit was shitty at the time so I just fucked with the collection agencies that called for a few years and didn't bother even trying to make payments. After a few years I had enough cash to pay it off and was cleaning my credit up, so I called them and they ended up settling for a payment of $2000.
tl;dr version: I don't have any advice for you, but I'd keep calling them and being an ass about it till they explained to your satisfaction or fixed it.
Definitely will be calling again in the morning.
*wincing at your experience* Ouch! *and wincing at the big bill* Glad to hear they settled for less! :-)
Quote from: Aloe on May 13, 2011, 03:48:32 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 11:49:00 PM
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
I had one of those several years ago. I found out because I was dancing and all the jumping about burst it and it started bleeding internally, I blacked out and had to be taken to the ER, it ended up costing me $3000+ for the whole 2 hour ER visit! This was about 8 years ago and I'd just switched jobs and my insurance coverage wasn't active yet.
Now I'm skeert. :aww:
Quote from: Nigel on May 13, 2011, 05:48:38 AM
Quote from: Aloe on May 13, 2011, 03:48:32 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 11:49:00 PM
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
I had one of those several years ago. I found out because I was dancing and all the jumping about burst it and it started bleeding internally, I blacked out and had to be taken to the ER, it ended up costing me $3000+ for the whole 2 hour ER visit! This was about 8 years ago and I'd just switched jobs and my insurance coverage wasn't active yet.
Now I'm skeert. :aww:
The doctor told me at the time that it probably would have eventually dissipated (gently) had I not burst it. About my 'dancing'... I am very white and people occasionally think I'm having a grand mal seizure when I attempt to dance. So a coordinated person gracefully moving to a musical beat probably wouldn't have the same thing happen. :oops:
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 13, 2011, 12:25:51 AM
Quote from: Suu on May 13, 2011, 12:04:12 AM
I fucking hate capitalism.
When I take over, I'm going to give this country a cruel dose of true fascism so they learn to STFU.
After your rise to power, will you make it so mammograms and pap smears come with a box of chocolate and a note of apology? I'd support your regime for that.
Are you fucking kidding me? They're coming with an almost-naked sexy man servant to take care of you for the rest of the day after your annual who HAND feeds you the chocolate. Paps make me cramp for 2 days, I deserve to be carried in a goddamn litter for letting someone do that to me once a year.
Even though I have no idea what it must be like, I think that's perfectly reasonable.
Quote from: Triple Zero on May 13, 2011, 02:50:35 PM
Even though I have no idea what it must be like, I think that's perfectly reasonable.
Seems more than reasonable to me.
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 04:49:29 AM
This month's bill/statement from one of my medical providers has something new on it that's got me going WTF?! They acknowledged only 1/3 of my payment and listed the rest of it as "Bad Credit Write Off". WTF? I haven't seen anything like this before.
(A bit of history: I incurred a big medical bill 5 years ago. I had called the business office and worked out a payment plan. I've been faithfully sending a check every month since day 1. Really glad now that I've kept bank statements & receipts of everything going back 7 years!)
Has anyone else had this experience? Is this even legal?
I've called the business office. Got their voice mail so I left a message. They haven't called back yet. It's been 2 days. Tonight, I'm looking up #s for the Better Business Bureau, lawyers, etc. but I'm not sure who I should be calling about this. I don't want my credit affected by their (?) mistake (?)....
Any advice?
BURN DOWN THE MOTHERFUCKING EVERYTHING!
Quote from: Suu on May 13, 2011, 12:32:58 PM
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 13, 2011, 12:25:51 AM
Quote from: Suu on May 13, 2011, 12:04:12 AM
I fucking hate capitalism.
When I take over, I'm going to give this country a cruel dose of true fascism so they learn to STFU.
After your rise to power, will you make it so mammograms and pap smears come with a box of chocolate and a note of apology? I'd support your regime for that.
Are you fucking kidding me? They're coming with an almost-naked sexy man servant to take care of you for the rest of the day after your annual who HAND feeds you the chocolate. Paps make me cramp for 2 days, I deserve to be carried in a goddamn litter for letting someone do that to me once a year.
Even better!
I'm happy to report that I got through to someone in the business office, and also someone from Consumer Protection called back this morning.
The lady in the business office didn't make much sense. She talked about the write off being one of the ways they coded old bills. (?) She said my payment had been fully applied to the bill. I asked her for an amended statement showing the full amount of my payment, and if the way she "coded" my bill was going to affect my credit. She said not, but I'm still suspicious. She is going to send me an amended statement, so that's good.
The lady from Consumer Protection offered to send me some information and a complaint form. She suggested I get a copy of my credit report. If it is affecting my credit, I can file a complaint and they'll help me with that.
Quote from: GIGGLES on May 13, 2011, 02:53:44 PM
Quote from: Eve Hill on May 12, 2011, 04:49:29 AM
This month's bill/statement from one of my medical providers has something new on it that's got me going WTF?! They acknowledged only 1/3 of my payment and listed the rest of it as "Bad Credit Write Off". WTF? I haven't seen anything like this before.
(A bit of history: I incurred a big medical bill 5 years ago. I had called the business office and worked out a payment plan. I've been faithfully sending a check every month since day 1. Really glad now that I've kept bank statements & receipts of everything going back 7 years!)
Has anyone else had this experience? Is this even legal?
I've called the business office. Got their voice mail so I left a message. They haven't called back yet. It's been 2 days. Tonight, I'm looking up #s for the Better Business Bureau, lawyers, etc. but I'm not sure who I should be calling about this. I don't want my credit affected by their (?) mistake (?)....
Any advice?
BURN DOWN THE MOTHERFUCKING EVERYTHING!
:lulz:
Glad you're starting to get somewhere. :)
GIGGLES way is faster, though. :lulz:
Quote from: Anna Mae Bollocks on May 13, 2011, 08:46:41 PM
Glad you're starting to get somewhere. :)
GIGGLES way is faster, though. :lulz:
His way definitely has a certain flair. :lulz:
Quote from: Nigel on May 13, 2011, 05:48:38 AM
Quote from: Aloe on May 13, 2011, 03:48:32 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 11:49:00 PM
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
I had one of those several years ago. I found out because I was dancing and all the jumping about burst it and it started bleeding internally, I blacked out and had to be taken to the ER, it ended up costing me $3000+ for the whole 2 hour ER visit! This was about 8 years ago and I'd just switched jobs and my insurance coverage wasn't active yet.
Now I'm skeert. :aww:
If it makes you feel any better, I had one burst years ago and while the pain was
awful, I didn't have to go to the hospital.
Quote from: Xicked on May 18, 2011, 07:30:20 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 13, 2011, 05:48:38 AM
Quote from: Aloe on May 13, 2011, 03:48:32 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 11:49:00 PM
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
I had one of those several years ago. I found out because I was dancing and all the jumping about burst it and it started bleeding internally, I blacked out and had to be taken to the ER, it ended up costing me $3000+ for the whole 2 hour ER visit! This was about 8 years ago and I'd just switched jobs and my insurance coverage wasn't active yet.
Now I'm skeert. :aww:
If it makes you feel any better, I had one burst years ago and while the pain was awful, I didn't have to go to the hospital.
This is a good point, I would have been just fine without going to the hospital - but when you suddenly drop to the floor unconscious in a public place peeps tend to pick you up, shove you in a car and take your ass to the hospital. :aaa:
Quote from: Xicked on May 18, 2011, 07:30:20 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 13, 2011, 05:48:38 AM
Quote from: Aloe on May 13, 2011, 03:48:32 AM
Quote from: Nigel on May 12, 2011, 11:49:00 PM
Oh, and that was 20 minutes. A 20 minute ultrasound. It cost $200 to have each kid ultrasounded, and they use the same equipment. I even went to the same place. And, it's not like that includes ANY treatment. Just the ultrasound. I still have an ovarian cyst the size of a walnut, and can't do a fucking thing about it.
I had one of those several years ago. I found out because I was dancing and all the jumping about burst it and it started bleeding internally, I blacked out and had to be taken to the ER, it ended up costing me $3000+ for the whole 2 hour ER visit! This was about 8 years ago and I'd just switched jobs and my insurance coverage wasn't active yet.
Now I'm skeert. :aww:
If it makes you feel any better, I had one burst years ago and while the pain was awful, I didn't have to go to the hospital.
OK, no, that is good to know. If I experience horrible pain in the gonad region, I will assume that's what it is.
I know this will only increase your woories, Nigel, but I'd rather not see you dead, yanno...
My best girl, Torch, she had to get a thing removed from off her ovary. Doctor told her she would have died if it burst, but I think that might have been a complication due to anemia.
You should probably visit at least a clinic if any extreme gonad pain becomes strifeful.
Ugh. OK, if I get a stabby pain or anything I'll go to the doc.