Legal Question in Administrative Law in California

Re: statue of limitation on billing

I'm at home and away from my reference books, but I believe the applicable statute of limitations is four years, assuming this is comes under the rules for a written contract, which it probably is since you usually have to sign something somewhere along the line.

It is certainly not uncommon for HMOs, hospitals, care givers, etc. to launch collection efforts for tag ends of large bills not covered by insurance long after the fact.

The most effective tactic may be to engage in a lengthy dispute with them. Every time they send a bill, statement, demand or whatever, write back immediately saying, "Fine, I got your letter, but show me what this charge is based upon, give me a copy of the contract underlying this charge, show me why the insurance didn't cover X and Y, and so on. You might be able to wear them down. Never say you won't pay, or that you don't owe; just keep asking for more and better documentation. At some point, the letters to you may just stop, because it isn't worth their while to prove and document everything.