Medical Billing Forum

Billing => Billing => : JazzcatCB July 10, 2008, 05:23:51 PM

: Do medical claims in CA have an expiration date?
: JazzcatCB July 10, 2008, 05:23:51 PM
I visited the emergency room twice in April. I have not been billed for these visits. I spoke with my insurance rep, and my insurance has not been billed either. I asked the rep what I should do, and she said "nothing". I'm considering this, but I want to be sure that I can't be held responsible for the bills if the hospital discovers their error a few years from now and my current insurance is no longer in business and then I would probably be stuck paying these bills. But if there is some kind of expiration date on medical bills (e.g. if they're not paid within a certain time-frame, they're no longer valid) then I would be ok. Does anyone know if medical claims have an expiration date in CA? Thanks!
: Re: Do medical claims in CA have an expiration date?
: Michele July 14, 2008, 03:23:19 PM
Hi,
  All states laws vary on how long a patient can be billed.  I have seen many times where patients receive bills 2 or more years after the services.  You have very good reason to be concerned.  I personally would contact the hospital and inquire why your insurance was never billed.  Your insurance company isn't going to recommend that because if they don't receive the bill, they save money.  The best way to make sure you don't get stuck is to look into why it wasn't billed.

Good luck
Michele