Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Ohio

I have an unpaid $3000 ambulance bill from 2010 that I just discovered when pulling my credit report. I had insurance and met my max out of pocket for the year, so if the ambulance company had submitted, it would have been 100% covered. They never billed me or contacted me. I called the collection agency to get some information and they sent me a copy of the file. The bill had been sent to an address from 25 years ago and their notes said they were calling a number from 25 years ago (I have had the same phone number for 20 years). I got my insurance company involved and they advised the ambulance company to submit the bill with a letter and that it may or may not be considered (due to timely filing). The ambulance company didn't submit and the debt continues to appear on my credit report. I contacted an attorney and the ambulance company offered to settle for $2600. Really? Shouldn't the attorney have contacted the collection agency since they own the debt now. I personally feel that this debt should be wiped clean without my having to pay anything. That's what I pay insurance premiums for right? Any advice would be appreciated.


Asked on 7/29/14, 12:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew J Ruzicho II Law offices of Andrew J Ruzicho II

Are you sure the collection agency "owns" the debt now. Chances are that is not correct. The collections agency is more likely working with the ambulance company and the ambulance company likely still owns the debt. So the attorney was fine in contacting the ambulance company. Many people make the mistake of believing that their insurance covers all medical expenses. Many also refuse to pay medical bills when they operate under this false assumption. Chances are your insurance did not cover the ambulance expenses and you still owe for them unless you are denying that those services were provided. You haven't provided any information as to whether the ambulance services should have been covered by your insurance. Ultimately, it is the insured who should present such bills to the insurance provider for coverage. $2600 is a good start. Perhaps they will settle for $1500.

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Answered on 7/30/14, 6:18 am


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