I need some help...

[one_voice]

My daughter called me tonight very upset.

She received a call from a collection company. She'd gotten a letter from them in March. It was an unpaid medical bill. She has insurance, but her company changed providers and this bill was right on the change over.

The bill went to insurance company A when it should have gone to insurance company B. She didn't know this until she received the letter. She wrote the collection agency a letter explaining what happened as well as contacting the insurance companies.

She's since been in contact with the insurance companies--which is like pulling teeth--to get the bill paid.

Well tonight the collection agency called. The guy on the phone was very rude and abusive.

She told him about the letter, to which he replied--oh I see it's always someone else's fault when it comes to you people. She tried to explain what what going on and he repeatedly interrupted her with more comments like above.

When she told him if he'd stop interrupting her and let her speak--he then told her she was nothing but a kid and she needed to tread him with respect, and she should talk to him like he was her mother or father. She should respect her elders.

Onto more of her not taking responsibility, you made the bill etc. He talked to other people while she was trying to explain that she could provide documentation that she was talking to the insurance company that was responsible.

He ended the conversation by hanging up on her.

She was so upset, one, because this bill shouldn't be with a collection agency and two the way she was treated.

Is there anything she can do about it?

Thanks!

p.s. I told her I was posting this here, because if there was anything to be done you guys would know.


edited to add: we live in Delaware

[Panasonic]

1. I ignore collection agencies

and let my debt counselor handle them - that's what I do.

In return, they get no choice but to offer a major reduction on the bill - usually around 60% before the debt people agree to the collectors and pay it.

So far, I've saved about 30k out of 60k sustained debt.

[PoliticAverse]

2. Debt Collection FAQs: A Guide for Consumers

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm

Please also tell us what state she resides in.

[one_voice]

3. thank you for the link...

I will pass it on to her.

[Booster]

8. Bookmarked for future reference. I had a collection agency call me about 7 times a day (I don't

pick up the phone if I don't know who's calling) about a debt my nephew had. Their robo-message said "when you pick up the phone make sure no one else is in the room listening as this is a private matter". That just told me don't ever pick up the phone unless there is someone is the room. I finally picked up one day and told them I haven't seen or heard from my nephew in years (true) and for them not to call me again. Seemed to have worked.

[NightWatcher]

4. Never deal with collection agencies

Deal direct with the Dr's office and work with them to get it solved.

Collections agencies are the lowest scum on the planet and harass people into submission to get what they want. They'll lie and bully to get money. Don't pay them a dime.

[librechik]

17. +1000 n/t

[TBF]

5. She should screen her calls and not talk to those assholes for starters -

and then call the original creditors and figure out how to make payments. Most hospitals have payment plans these days. All I can say about insurance companies is that we need universal health care YESTERDAY. It doesn't matter if she is right, both the insurance companies and collection agency vultures will make her life a living hell. Anything she says to either of them should be in writing.

[russspeakeasy]

6. Please. Tell the collection agency that all communication is to be in writing.

Just in case I didn't make my point: ALL COMMUNICATION MUST BE IN WRITING.

[elleng]

7. Yes, there are things she can do.

First, tell her we ALL feel very sorry she's had to endure this, and we're with her.


Then, tell her to send letters to her Senators, State and Federal, her Representatives, the insurance companies, and the health care providers, explaining what has happened. One 'form letter' to all should help, and local newspapers if she would like. Include description of the guy's rudeness.

She should ignore any contacts she receives from the guy or his collection agency in the future.

[graywarrior]

11. The Attorney General should get a complaint letter, also.

Wouldn't hurt to write to the Better Business Bureau. You can file a complaint online. They WILL get back to you.

[elleng]

13. Right and Right.

[1StrongBlackMan]

14. But most importantly ...

a copy should go to the FTC and/or an attorney (referred by legal aid or a poverty center) that has experience with debt collection law.

The other letter might make one feel better, but is not likely to stop the calls or get anything done.

[elleng]

16. Yes, FTC

and as suggested here, posted at #2:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm

[one_voice]

18. Thank you!...

That means a lot.

[elleng]

20. You're welcome.

Best of luck.
Thinking of her (and you.)

[pinboy3niner]

9. 'Fuck you' is the only polite answer to an asshole like that

He has no right to treat her like that. If she recorded those calls, that guy would be out of a job.

[one_voice]

19. How strange...

those were my exact words to her.

She wanted to record him, but couldn't figure out how to get her phone to do it.

Thing is, she talked to the insurance company after and they're going to be more forceful in getting the info they need to pay the claim. They need more information from the former insurance company, they're going to fax her the letters they've sent them. After she told them what happened they agreed to do more.

[backscatter712]

10. Hang up on debt collectors - they're scumbags anyways.

Deal only with the medical providers and the insurance companies in question.

[Liberal_in_LA]

12. collection guy was trying to manipulate her. ugh. horrible people.

[Phentex]

15. No reason to be rude but he can't do anthing about the bill...

She needs to write a letter to the provider and tell them the date of service and send them a copy of the insurance card that was in effect on the date of service. She could call, but in writing is better and less likely to be forgotten about. They will resubmit the claim to the proper place. And she can ignore the collection agency in the meantime.

The responsibility lies with the provider or your daughter, not the insurance companies. If your daughter did not give the physician the new insurance information on the date of service, that may be why it went to the wrong place. However, once they are notified, they need to resubmit the claim.

Next, if she gets a new explanation of benefits from the insurance company, she can send THAT to the collection agency and they should get off her back. But don't be surprised if it takes a while. Most providers want to get paid so it is to their benefit to resubmit the claim as quickly as possible.

Hope this helps!