Q: Had to take an ambulance ride. The ambulance company did not file the claim to the insurance company in their allotted
time frame so they say they will not pay. Now the ambulance company is expecting me to pay out of pocket. Am I responsible for this bill since it is their fault for not filing the claim in time?
A: I' handling a similar matter like this today. There is not a clear rule on this matter and it partly depends on your insurance. As a general rule, your insurance carrier requires the ambulance company (like all medical billers) to follow certain procedures. If the biller (the ambulance company) cannot properly file a claim with your insurance, they cannot seek payment from you (the patient). In reality, most medical billers will charge you anyway. Try contacting your insurance company to see if they will help. If they won't (which they should, but often don't), then the only option is to pay the bill and immediately bring suit (probably in small claims court) for the amount.
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