Q: If a 3rd party medical care company closes, can a hospital collect on unpaid medical bills from us?
3rd party medical care company says they can arrange for medical care of seamen at a discount to hospital rates if we use them to arrange for medical care of the clients we handle, in this case seamen (crew members on container vessels who need medical care during their port stay). 3rd party company checks the seamen into the hospital. Hospital bills them. 3rd party invoices us a discounted rate. We pay the 3rd party's discounted invoice. Now, the 3rd party company has closed suddenly and hospital is trying to collect the unpaid medical bills from us directly. These include bills that we have already paid the 3rd party company prior to their sudden closure. Are we liable for these unpaid medical bills even if we already paid them to the 3rd party company that has closed down? Collection agency references "maintenance and cure" and violation of federal maritime law for not paying these medical bills that were originally billed to the 3rd party company.
A: You'll have to gather proof of all related contracts, payments, and bills. An attorney should cleanly communicate such information to the collection agency for resolution. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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