My dad passed in March 2023. He had a procedure done back in August 2022, and today I found out that his insurance company asked the hospital twice for medical records but didn’t get them. As a result, they didn’t pay the claim, and now I’ve received a bill for $306k from a debt collector. Since my dad has passed, it’s the estate’s responsibility, and I’m the executor. When I contacted his insurance, they said they probably wouldn’t pay because the claim is over a year old. But how were my dad or I supposed to know the hospital didn’t send the records?
I don’t have $306k, and he had good insurance through BCBS. It’s frustrating that the hospital didn’t send the medical records, and now it seems like the insurance just gave up. What should I do?
You aren’t personally responsible for your father’s debt. You only need to pay debts from the estate, and if there’s not enough, the hospital will have to accept that. If debt collectors call, you can tell them you aren’t responsible. If they try to guilt you, remind them your dad has passed, and his reputation doesn’t need protection anymore.
@Jess
My main concern is that my dad’s will was simple—it split his bank accounts and house between my sister and me. Most of the accounts have already been transferred to us, except for one estate account left to pay any debts. I’m confused about whether or not they can come after the house or the money that’s already been transferred. No one has sent any legal notice to sue the estate. It just doesn’t seem fair that the hospital didn’t send the records.
@Shawn
If you’ve already distributed the estate, you should talk to an estate lawyer in the state where your dad passed away. Laws vary by state, and it could depend on whether the hospital made a claim in probate court. It’s also worth asking a lawyer about what can be done since the hospital didn’t send the records to the insurance company. Getting legal advice here would be really helpful.
@Shawn
It’s not uncommon for things to fall through the cracks when dealing with large billing systems. If the claim wasn’t paid because the hospital didn’t send the necessary information, then it’s their responsibility to fix it. If the estate has already been distributed, I don’t think they have grounds to come after what’s now in your names, but it’s a good idea to ask for legal advice.
@Shawn
There’s usually a deadline for creditors to make claims in probate. Definitely talk to a lawyer to see if the hospital can still pursue the claim.
Val said: @Shawn
There’s usually a deadline for creditors to make claims in probate. Definitely talk to a lawyer to see if the hospital can still pursue the claim.
@Shawn
You might be able to resolve this by sending the hospital a copy of the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the insurance company, especially if it says you owe $0. If you’ve gone through probate already and the hospital didn’t make a claim, they may have missed their chance. I’d suggest reaching out to your estate lawyer to send the necessary letters to the hospital and debt collectors.
Nova said: @Shawn
The debt is not your responsibility, nor is it your father’s estate’s. The debt passed with him.
Actually, if there’s money in the estate, the hospital can go after that. There are deadlines for claims in probate, though, and they can’t take back what’s already been distributed unless a claim was filed in time. Definitely ask a lawyer.
You should talk to the attorney who handled probate. Since there was a will, the estate had to go through probate, especially if it involved the house. It sounds like the hospital didn’t follow up with the insurance company, and that’s their fault. Your attorney might be able to get the charges dismissed.
@Vern
Thanks! I contacted my probate attorney, and he said we need to wait for BCBS to officially deny the claim after the hospital sends the medical records. He said it sounds like negligence on the hospital’s part, and he’ll handle it.
@Shawn
It definitely seems like the hospital dropped the ball. If they were in-network, they’re supposed to bill the insurance within their contract guidelines. I’d call the hospital’s billing department or patient advocate and ask them to recall the debt from collections while they work things out with BCBS.
@Phoenix
Hospitals sometimes claim they never received the requests, even if they did. It’s always worth double-checking. If the hospital failed to submit the documents, they need to own up to it. But sometimes the insurance company just doesn’t process it right. Either way, dispute the collection and ask the hospital for the details.
@Basil
I’ve dealt with similar situations in healthcare billing. It’s frustrating when insurance companies say they didn’t receive something that was sent multiple times with confirmation. Patients end up getting blamed for mistakes beyond their control.
@Vern
When we went through probate, we had to put a notice to creditors in the newspaper for a few weeks. If it’s been over a year since your dad passed, some claims might not be valid anymore.
You mentioned your dad had BCBS through IBEW. His union likely has a benefits representative who helps with claims like this. I’d contact the union and ask for help. They can speak to the hospital and the insurance company on your behalf.