Q: can you be held in contempt of court if hospital refused your insurance payment My insurance has tried to pay the bill

A: Being held in contempt of court typically occurs when someone disobeys a court order, not simply because a hospital refused your insurance payment. In your situation, it appears that the hospital is pursuing legal action due to unpaid bills, which is a civil matter, rather than a contempt of court issue.

Since you are required to appear in court, it's important to gather all relevant documentation, including insurance coverage details, records of your emergency surgery, and any correspondence with the hospital and your insurance provider. This will help in presenting your case effectively.

It's crucial to communicate with your insurance company to understand why the hospital is refusing the payment. Sometimes, disputes arise from billing errors or misunderstandings about coverage, which can be resolved through negotiation.

If the matter is complex or if you feel overwhelmed, consider seeking legal advice. An attorney can provide guidance on how to navigate this situation, represent you in court if necessary, and help negotiate with the hospital and your insurance provider.

Remember, in court, it's important to clearly explain your situation, present your evidence, and demonstrate that you've made reasonable efforts to resolve the billing issue. This can include showing your attempt to use insurance for an emergency service, which is generally covered under most policies.

A: It doesn't sound like contempt of court. It sounds more like a collection lawsuit. But failing to appear/respond could result in a default judgment. Since you mention a court date, that suggests that legal action may have been filed by them. One option is to set up a consult with a local attorney to review your papers and advise what your best course of action would be. Good luck