Medical bill incurred abroad
- Thread Starter annabD01
- Start date
To provide additional information on the above:
I had an unfortunate stay at St Luke's hospital in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
The hospital has gained notoriety for praying on and scamming American tourists, prompting the US Consulate to issue a warning.
During my hospital stay I misdiagnosed, underwent unnecessary procedures, and was held at the hospital for several hours despite my frequent requests to be released. My US health insurance has paid a small fraction of the cost and the Florida agency involved is asking for an outstanding payment of close to $30,000.
I had an unfortunate stay at St Luke's hospital in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
The hospital has gained notoriety for praying on and scamming American tourists, prompting the US Consulate to issue a warning.
During my hospital stay I misdiagnosed, underwent unnecessary procedures, and was held at the hospital for several hours despite my frequent requests to be released. My US health insurance has paid a small fraction of the cost and the Florida agency involved is asking for an outstanding payment of close to $30,000.
PayrollHRGuy
Well-Known Member
It seems Passage Health International is a company that buys the accounts so you aren't getting away from the debt because they are in Mexico. Your debt in this case should be no different than any other medical debt. Well, that may not be true because for all intents your debt is now owned by a company that has no other job than collecting such debts.
zddoodah
Well-Known Member
If you never return to Mexico, the legal implications are no different than if you incur the bill in your hometown. If you return to Mexico, the legal implications obviously depend on Mexican laws.
You could be sued and have a judgment entered against you, which could lead to your wages being garnished, bank accounts levied, liens against property, etc.
PayrollHRGuy
Well-Known Member
Considering who owns the debt now I doubt it makes a difference @zddoodah .
I really appreciate all the responses so far.
That's what I suspected and am most worried about.
Passage Health International submitted the insurance claim to my health insurance. A small portion of the total bill was covered by my health insurance prompting Passage Health to submit an appeal request on my behalf. My health insurance is now asking me to sign an Authorized Representative Form for Passage Health's billing department so they can open an appeal. Does anybody have experience working with these types of companies? Is this advisable or should I consult a lawyer first before taking any further actions?
That's what I suspected and am most worried about.
Passage Health International submitted the insurance claim to my health insurance. A small portion of the total bill was covered by my health insurance prompting Passage Health to submit an appeal request on my behalf. My health insurance is now asking me to sign an Authorized Representative Form for Passage Health's billing department so they can open an appeal. Does anybody have experience working with these types of companies? Is this advisable or should I consult a lawyer first before taking any further actions?
PayrollHRGuy
Well-Known Member
Then you have two options: 1. sign the document and allow them to argue the insurance decision appeal 2. Don't do so and pretty much give up the idea of an appeal and owe the money.
I would have a lawyer look ANYTHING over before signing it.
I would have a lawyer look ANYTHING over before signing it.
