even-steven on the $475?
 

so, i had experienced some dental issues during november that i will not go into the nearly 5 week saga, other than to say i found out how little my dental coverage actually covers. i finally found relief from a oral surgeon that removed some dead bone from my lower jaw where a molar had been removed like 25 years ago that became infected. it was great to finally getting some relief after misdiagnosis by my dentist, an odentologist & finally an ear, nose & throat guy. the procedure went well and all is good now.

i get a bill from the oral surgeon with a summary of charges, along with what the insurance will be covering. not nearly enough, but wait. of a nearly $700 bill i was responsible for around $475 and the bill stated such in the itemized line items. check with my insurer's web site and their claim was the exact same as the OS bill saying i owed $475. here's the rub, within that bill there was also a check included for the same $475 i was being charged with "insurance over payment" in the memo line from the OS's office to me. i have yet to cash the check, nor send the bill back with payment. I have been reluctant to call them to determine what's going on, as it may cost me that same $475 they just gave me.....


what does the brain trust here say? cash it, pay the bill & break even-steven? call them and see if it was a mistake? im sure it was, but i never gave back any monopoly money years ago when the card said "bank error in your favor, collect $200"..... generally if i received a medical bill for this much i would break it up over 2-3 payments, but i am afraid that the more they look over my account the more opportunity they have to see the oversight. im thinking if i cash the check & pay the full amount back in one installment it is less likely to be noticed.


What are you doing in this instance?

t

I think you should have someone explain it, and if it turns out you owe $475, then so be it.

If you don't, that would be great!

It's an error. Happens all the time. When the dental insurance company discovers the error, they will collect the $475 overpayment from your dentist.

Maybe the dental office sent the check to you, and they want you to reimburse the insurance company? You could call them and find out... maybe that's what the billing lady is hoping you do. ;)

__

Someone releases me from dental pain, I'll send them the money and a bottle of wine.

$700 for to-the-bone surgery is not extreme.
$500 for (assumed) curing a long-term problem is not extreme.

Check with your dentist if you trust them.
You should....

Someone releases me from dental pain, I'll send them the money and a bottle of wine.

understandable, but why would they bill me for the same $475 do you suppose?

debit not equal to a credit

somebody pushed the wrong key

Exactly this. You were supposed to pay $475. In error, the insurance company paid it for you. When the error is discovered (and it will be) the company will recover the $475 from the dentist even though YOU have the cash. You are harder to chase down and they have leverage with the dentist.