Wellness

[Mistreatedbycs]

I just can't imagine someone going it alone with all the paperwork/bills/statements when you're sick or have a significant other sick in the household.

Reason being, my mom's been quite ill, she would never do what I'm doing with all the bills, explanation of benefits, statements coming in the mail. Most recently a legitimate bill of a medical place, when I called and asked why this wasn't submitted first to Medicare, the gal responded that it takes a long time for Medicare to pay........what?? seriously? Needless to say, that bill is being submitted to insurance first. What would my mom do? Probably pay it since it says she owes and also states balance due. I have more of the same from different providers so you really need to be on top of these things and sit on the phone and call.

I've also challenged charges, questioned who these people are, questioned dates, and anything related to medical issues. Could I see my mom ever doing this, no.

So, if you're alone or don't have a willing family member to assist you, don't do it by yourself, try to recruit someone to help you and sort through all the bills. Just because anyone sends you a bill doesn't make it right.

I also have a statement that states, do not pay, this has been as a courtesy submitted to your secondary insurance. I called, there's no bill that has been submitted, my thought is they are going to wait until it really gets old and tell my mom she needs to pay. I've been watching it and collecting all the statements and I'll deal with it this month but these are the things we take for granted that people are submitting the bills to Medicare and then to your supplemental insurance (if you have one) and no one did anything. My mom would never call, she would pile up the papers, wouldn't call Medicare, wouldn't call her insurance etc. I do, and will continue to do so. Please don't take what they send you for face value, do your research, ask questions and if you know of anyone that could use your help or maybe you need the help, someone is out there that will help.

[Kachina624]

After I had surgery 3 yrs ago covered by Medicare, I got a half dozen or so bills from medical providers mostly for small amounts. I didn't pay them and never heard from the providers again. I'm sure that's the same situation you're describing.

[151949]

I have a medicare advantage plan so I don't have to deal with medicare itself but when my father was hospitalized for 9 months after being paralysed in a car accident I had to deal with his medicare - it was a daily nightmare when the mail arrived.I think this is one reason I prefer an advantage plan.

[Perkup]

After DH was in the hospital with heart issues the last time, we got bills from 17 different doctors, all of whom claimed they had "seen" him in the hospital.

I was with him 24/7, and believe me, most of them were less than truthful about having visited. I went to Medicare and his insurer with this, and many of the bills were denied. I kept a list of all professionals who saw him, and six weren't on the list. They did not get paid by Medicare of me.