Financial and credit report issues

calamtykel

We have some medical bills that went to collections.  In the past year as we've been paying on ALL of our medical bills, we racked up credit card debt.  I'm upset that this happened, as we have never had CC debt in all our 16 years of marriage.

 Now our previously perfect credit score is in the toilet.

But today I found out that one of the bills that we've been getting harrassed about for $399 from last december was actually paid by Aetna.  It was at first denied, but then my dh's human resources coordiator fought it with aetna and got it paid.  It was paid last May!  but somehow the hospital sent it to collections and they are harrassing us.  I talked to the hospital yesterday and they claim it is/was unpaid.

So now DH brought me home the EOB that states that Aetna covered and paid it.  I guess I present this to the hospital?  We sent collections $50 on it a couple of months ago-- can we recover that somehow?? 

I'm super ticked that in all the choas, we didn't catch this bill - we didn't even know it was going to collections - can't believe the hospital did that while it was still in dispute!  

I'm so bummed from all of this - our deductibe started all over again in December so here we go again - all new deductible; all new out of pocket max!

Anyone else feel like they're drowning financially since cancer??   

alexandria58

COPY the EOB, do not send the original!  Also, if the hospital sent a bad credit report based on their error, that may be legally actionable.  The collection companies also are regulated.  If they are harrassing you for a bill that you've paid, you may have an action against them as well.  

In terms of financial changes: I was a public defender, but when I couldn't carry 20 pound files to court immediately after my BMX, my boss replaced me - so, I guess I have had some financial setbacks.  However, I'm going out on my own, so not all is terrible, I guess.

Good luck.

Alex

 

Cynthia1962

First, I would ask to talk to the supervisor in the hospital billing department, get her name and fax number, then fax a copy of the EOB directly to this person.  Tell her to call you as soon as she receives it, or you will call her within a couple of hours.  Then, call the collection agency, and offer to fax them a copy of the EOB as well.  If you prove to them that the bill was paid, they will stop trying to collect from you.  You should be able to get your payment back because you didn't owe it.  After you get this straightened out with the hospital, I would let the supervisor know just how angry and upset you are that they sent you to collections without a warning.  That's just wrong.  Here is some basic info about the law concerning collection agencies: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm

And, yes, I feel as if we are drowning in debt.  We charged my out-of-pocket the first year because we were so overwhelmed, and inexperienced dealing with medical providers who want their money immediately.  Then, the following year we got smarter and refused to pay in full asking instead to make payments, but we still had the cc debt from the year before to pay as well.  The debt just seems to keep building no matter how much we pay.  We also were debt free before I was dx'd, so it's been very scary to live like this.  You're definitely not alone.

ChristinS

I agree with the other posters, but can also tell you that if your hospital participates with Aetna you can ask Aetna's member service for help (have THEM call the hospital for you) and you can report the hospital as well as the collection agent to your states banking commissioner (they regulate collections) and you are ABSOLUTELY entitled to a refund if you paid on a bill that was paid by Aetna...I work in a doctor's office managing accounts and have run into this type of problem on a personal level since my diagnosis...so you are definitely not alone...also re: this years deductible etc etc you should ask your hospital if they have any "free bed funds" which are sometimes available even for people with insurance to cover deductibles, etc. maybe you can get some help that way and start 2012 off better good luck

tracie23

I am so far in dept from this... My insurance paid everything for the 1st year , did a medical review and asked for refunds from all the health care providers....due to preexisting  so know I am paying everyone under the sun and yes I have a lot of dept collectors calling me. I pay what I can and try not to stress ( right) I have never felt so helpless...

calamtykel

an update - this bill was the same amount as other bill that we do owe--so good news bad news.  First, the bill that is in collections was for $399 and was for the CT and bone scans I had done after diagnosis.  This other bill from 12/7/10 was for a rib series of x-rays (not to self - do NOT run to the doctor with every ache and pain - you WILL pay for it in anxiety of waiting and financially!)   

So when I called today, they in no uncertain terms told me that the first bill rightly went to collections.  HOWEVER< then she said 'But you paid on the second one and so did Aetna..."  (??) ) So you haveh a credit with us.   A "credit"?  I said "Please send it to me then- or apply it to one of the collections bills"  She said "we can't apply it to your bill in collections but we will send you a check within 30 days."  30 days!?    So had I NEVER questioned this, they would have kept both the aetna payment and our payment!  It's $318.  Isn't that illegal?  I have to "request" it to receive my refund?  

And my question is then if I had a 'credit" why on earth didn't they apply that to my two other bills BEFORE they sent them to collections - it's the same account, same hopsital!

I'm beyond annoyed and yes, very overwhelmed.

Has anyone tried to negotiate with collections agencies?? I read with medical debt there may be a way to offer them  a total pay off if they will accept less than the original amount.  I read somewhere you can start at 30% and see what happens.  BUT to in first get it in writing that thisi will clear this debt off of your medical record and that there will be no balance to be paid.

I hate this so much.>  What is wrong with our country?  Our interest rates on the credit cards are about to skyrocket because we have so much debt.  We couldn't get a zero balance transfer card now if we tried!  I don't even think we could get a home equity loan.  I am very thankful that we owe the house free and clear...so I don't think I'd want to put it up for collateral.....I know we're not suppsosed to stress, but how are we NOT supposed to when we have unsympathetic and downright mean people on the other end of the phone?  

I know nothing about any of this since I never had to deal with it.   I sell on Ebay and Ruby Lane and am hoping for some payments to come in for some things I just listed - we're having a big garage sale in April and should be getting a big tax refund....but none of that will pull us out of this hole.

I'm ashamed because I'm praying that I don't get sick again simply because I don't want to incur more debt.  Something has to be done in this country- this wasn't any investment decision we made; we have always lived frugally (we have four kids) and have cut everything out that we can.  There just seems to be no good answers.  But it helps to know I'm not alone!

calamtykel

 i answered my own question.  The debt collection agency won't negotiate the bill at all.  **sigh** and it will take at least 60 days to get removed from our credit report......

doesn't give me much incentive to pay this off until I can get my credit cards down!    

alexandria58

Check your state's cnsumer protection agency.  if you're in NJ e-mail me.

Alex

calamtykel

just PMed you.  Yes, I'm in NJ ...