Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Hello,

About 13 months ago I had surgery for a hernia at Scripps Encinitas Surgery Center in San Diego North County. I worked for a different company at that time. I also had medical insurance through that company. I paid the required deductible and all and was told by my insurance company at that time that since my surgery was done on an outpatient basis, the surgery would be completely covered and there would be no further cost to me. I now live in Northern California. I work for a different company now with medical insurance through that company. I recieved a bill today at my P.O. Box stating that I owed $248. It is from a person by the name of "Beth A. Forbes, FNP-RNFA, who apparantly lives in Vista, California. It appears that according to this invoice, an attempt was made to bill my insurance for this cost on February 17, 2010, 11 months after the surgery! Of course I don't have insurance with that company anymore, and as a result the insurance company denied it.

My question is: Do I have to pay this? Is this legal?

Thanks!

Kenneth G. Terral


Asked on 4/16/10, 12:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Since the bill appears to be connected to your surgery, it should be covered by your old insurance carrier. Obviously, since the billing party is in Vista (north San Diego County), it is probably related to the surgery in Encinitas. Call the carrier's agent who signed the denial and explain the circumstances. Write a follow-up letter reiterating your conversation and keep a copy. Good luck!

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Answered on 4/21/10, 1:06 am


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