Can I do something about this dentist bill?

I previously had dental coverage through HealthNet (Safeguard?) and found a dentist near my house through their online system. I had a routine check-up as well as had a tiny hole in my tooth filled. A few weeks after my visit I recieve a letter from HealthNet showing the procedures that were done and how much they were going to pay. It also said on the letter that if I went to a contracted provider, I was not responsible for the difference between how much they were going to pay and how much the provider charged. The difference amount is about $266. Since I found the dentist through their online system I assumed they were a contracted provider so I disregarded the letter. A few weeks after that I receive a letter from the dentist saying that I owe them $266. So I called my health insurance and they told me that since if I went to a contracted provider I wouldn't have to worry about any difference owed. I then spoke to the dental office and they said they only recieved a check for $90

Can I do something about this dentist bill?
Wow, that really sucks. Unfortunately, you are responsible for the bill. Trying to argue with an insurance company is always a losing battle. Anytime a dental office verifies eligibility through the dental insurance the insurance company always states that there is no guarantee of payment. Which means, if you called up HealthNet and asked them if a certain procedure was a covered benefit and they said "yes it is and its covered at 100%", they could STILL turn around and deny the claim, pay nothing, and your stuck with the bill. Every insurance company does it. No exceptions. They can change your coverage plan at any time. Its frustrating for dental offices and patients. So even though it was wrong that they mislead you there is nothing you can legally do. Did it for sure list them as a participating provider online or did it just give their name? Many insurance companies recommend dentists that are both in and out of network. Always make sure to ask the dentist if they are a participating provider and double check with your insurance company before scheduling an appointment. The only thing you can do to try and get out of the bill is sweet talk the dentist. Sit down and write them a letter. Send them a copy of what you printed from HealthNets web page. Explain that you were under the impression that they were in network. And if I were you, I would throw in that you really want to keep coming to their office and referring your friends and family but just cant afford to pay co-pays that high. Most dental offices will understand and work with you. It costs them money to send accounts to collection so they try to avoid it. By saying you will refer them new patients gives you some bargaining power and makes you valuable to their office. They will want to make you happy and keep you. If all else fails, ask them to set up payment arrangements. Again, collections costs them big bucks so any other way is better. Good luck
Reply:run away to mexico
Reply:Unfortunately, it looks like you'll have to pay it.





Ask you dentist if you can pay in installments. Usually they are pretty reasonable about that.
Reply:It doesn't matter how much your insurance co. paid. If the dentist was an in network provider, it means that he has agreed to their allowable charges, and you are not responsible.





Edit: Ouch, I didn't see the additional info. before answering. Yep, as unfair as it is, you'll have to pay the difference.
Reply:complain to your healthcare and tell them you'll call that guy that did the documentary on the healthcare system it was called sicko
Reply:Go to Michael Moore's site he has a "sicko" card for you to download and threaten your insurance company with if they don't help you.





http://www.michaelmoore.com/
Reply:You should've read the fine print. Find the listing on their website again and bring it to their attention. Maybe the listing is out of date, or you just didn't fully read it.





I would suggest paying the bill now if you can and then requesting that the insurance reimburse you if that is what ends up being the right thing to do. If you don't pay it, the dentist can start charging you interest and the bill will increase.
Reply:Call the insurance company again and explain to them, again, that you found the dentist on their list and that the state insurance commissioner may be pleased to find that they are playing "bait and switch" with their insurees.
Reply:Unfortunately, you're pretty much screwed on this one. Tell the dental office that you can only make payments on the bill if you can't come up with the total balance in full. Insurance companies are a joke and most people who work in benefits offices are so stupid that the DMV doesn't even want to hire them. I feel sorry for your situation, but, unfortunately, this is how it works now.
Reply:When you ASSume you make an *** outta your self!!!!

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