Help w/ medical/legal dispute

[Knoxville-Horn]

Long story short....

I was hit by a drunk driver about 13 months ago and went for an outpatient visit to my doctor's office. A week later, I went to the doctor for an entirely unrelated issue.

My insurance company refused to pay for the 2nd visit as they claimed that it was the resulf of the accident. After countless hours on the phone and numerous letters, we are still left with an unpaid bill. The problem now is that the doctor's office has taken the bill to court.

My wife is completely freaking out because she has spotless credit and - for some unknown reason - her name is on the papers that are being served.

My first question is: Why is her name on this item? The bill AND the insurance is under my name. (At the time, she had her own insurance through school and I had my own through work.)

Secondly, does anyone have any advice as to how to handle this WITHOUT legal representation. It's a $700 bill. Obviously, any legal assistance would far outweigh the benefits of handling the bill.

 

[longyak]

Start wearing down your insurance company with regular calls going as far up the chain as possible each time? Become the thorn they want rid of quickly?

Check with the whoever regulates insurance in your state about filing a compliant against your insurer.

 

[AustinTejasFan]

You're entitled to recover ANY medical expenses covered by your plan regardless of whether a third party may be responsible for your injuries. If your insurer chooses to subrogate against the third party (or their insurance company), that's their decision.

File a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division at the Texas Department of Insurance. The Link

 

[TxStHorn]

Yeah - you're health insurance is setting themselves up for a fabulous lawsuit.

Get EVERYTHING in WRITING FROM THEM - especially thier basis for denial. Do not speak with them on the phone at all - only writing.

 

[TexasEd]

Pay your medical bill. That is still your responsibility.

Then go after the insurance company.

 

[dendox]

listen to TxStHorn. He speaks the truth. Get a denial in writing. Then file suit for unfair claims settlement practices if they refuse to pay a valid claim.

In TX you have a tie in to the DTPA allowing for extra damages. I am not sure where you are or what the provisions are there, but I would assume there is something similar.

best of luck

 

[Knoxville-Horn]

Thanks for the replies and thank you to the poster that sent me the link via private message. I accidentally deleted after I read it but before I could reply.