I visted the dentist back in May of 2005. This past June I got a letter saying I have a balance due of a couple hundred dollars. They say they have more than 10years to collect as long as they filed the claim on time, but were late in sending me notice that my insurance only paid 70% and a balance was left. They say due to my last mane starting with a "T" is the reason it took so long to notify me. Can someone tell me if I have to pay this after a year,
2006-08-10 07:42:41 · 6 answers · asked by baldshakka 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
I think you will. You can also try to get the insurance company to pay more of it (even the dentist may help).
2006-08-10 07:47:21 · answer #1 · answered by Rjmail 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most civil claims - in New York State - if you get a judgment you have 10 years - and then can "re-up" it for another 10. Since yours is only a bit over $200., and only a few months over a year, if they choose to they CAN go after you, i.e. sue you. In civil cases they have 3 years to bring suit. You know you owe them the money. Sounds like they're looking to turn un-paid debts over to a credit bureau. YOU DON'T WANT THAT. It will effect yout credit rating and those people are SO mean and obnoxious. I'd suggest biting the bullet and calling the dentist's office and offering to pay them a modest amount each month until it's paid. Start at $10./mo. Go up from there. But only an amount you can afford. If they DO send you to a credit bureau - they have to pay a very heavy premium (or percentage) to the credit agency. They'd rather have you pay over the course of a year then get half their money (maybe) in two or more years.
2006-08-10 07:57:26 · answer #2 · answered by 34th B.G. - USAAF 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You betcha! Legally no one has to send you a bill - that is considered a courtesy. Courts will stand behind them 100% You are lucky they haven't turned this over to a collection agency already and ruined your credit. Medical/dental offices are the worst for doing that. If you want, you can pay as little as $5 a month and as long as you are making regular payments, they can't do a thing to you.
2006-08-10 07:50:39 · answer #3 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you are liable for any amount your insurance does not cover. And that is why when your insurance pays a claim they mail you a statement telling you how much the bill was, how much was covered by the insurance and how much is your obligation. You are responsible to know that so you do have to pay for it.
2006-08-10 08:21:27 · answer #4 · answered by fasb123r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but I would talk with my insurance company first to make sure that I truly owed the difference. The denist could have not applied the funds correctly or something could have gotten mixed up.
This sounds a little fishy to me.
2006-08-10 07:52:00 · answer #5 · answered by UOPHXstudent 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep you have to pay it or it will go to collections and go on your credit.
2006-08-10 07:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by ~Saratini~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋