I've recently run into a series of health
problems, and have been seeing multiple
doctors and getting tests performed at
different laboratories. I am a recent
college graduate, dirt poor, and therefore
have taken advantage of the Family Health
Plus program in New York State which
provides me with an HMO medical insurance
coverage through Medicaid and United
Healthcare.
After going to many doctors for the last 3
months (my insurance began January 1st of
this year) I just received letters from
United Healthcare denying coverage for
almost all my doctor visits, procedures,
and tests. The amount is in the thousands,
many thousands. I do not have even $100 to
pay.
After doing some investigating by calling
my insurance company, I was told that none
of the doctors or labs I went to (besides
my primary care) were participating
members of my plan. After calling all of
the doctors and labs, surprisingly they
all told me "oops, I'm sorry sir. Looks
like we don't take your insurance after
all, we'll have to bill you!"
Despite the fact that I ALWAYS have my
primary care refer me to the doctor or lab
and make sure they take my insurance,
despite that I ALWAYS ask them to verify
that they accept my insurance when I sign
in as a new patient, and despite that I
ALWAYS give them my insurance card and
tell them not to take me as a patient of
perform any procedures unless it is
covered, I have been lied to by
incompetent office staff and now am in
thousands of dollars in debt.
I spoke with the office staff and they
admitted that they never verified me
correctly, but that it's MY fault! Is this
insane? Is this even legal? Can they bill
me even though THEY made the mistake and
lied to me?
Your help is greatly appreciated and I
look forward to your responses, thank you.
