I was in the hospital in June of 2003.
Apparently, my insurance company, Aetna, paid $10,300 at the time of my 3 day stay.
There was a balance of some $6400.
The balance was never billed to me at the time.
7 years pass.
I got a letter demanding that the hospital I stayed at be paid a past balance due of $6400 and the collection agency wanted $4400 in interest.
I contacted my insurance company to be told that I was in a hospital that wasn't under contract with Aetna at the time and that I should pay the collection agency because the time to appeal is only 180 days after Aetna's initial payment.
Is there an expiration exemption or any law that would help me because I am just hearing about this now?
Hospitalization: June 2003
Billing from a collection agency without a word about the hospital's balance: Mar. 2010
I agree with Mr. Stone. The statute of limitations has run out on this debt. There is a slight possibility that you could revive the claim by discussing it or making inquiries. Pay a few hundred to a lawyer to have the bill collector told what it needs to be told in the right words. Not so sure you'd want to assert any claim for the dunning, however - discuss this with the lawyer you ask to handle the letter-writing.
I agree with Mr. Stone. The statute of limitations has run out on this debt. There is a slight possibility that you could revive the claim by discussing it or making inquiries. Pay a few hundred to a lawyer to have the bill collector told what it needs to be told in the right words. Not so sure you'd want to assert any claim for the dunning, however - discuss this with the lawyer you ask to handle the letter-writing.
