MCLEOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER FLORENCE, SC 29501 BALANCE BILLING FLORENCE SC

After OPS 5/6/19 and insurance paid, MRMC sent me a bill for 1590.00.  Insurence and MRMC called.  Only a MRMC call center to speak to.  after > 1 hour explaining to an operator I was told a MRMC rep would call me in 3-5 days.  Never happened. 

My insurence provider contacted MRMC by phone and letter informing MRMC that the bill was paid and no other payments due.  A month later, another bill arrived as past due, next step is going the a MRMC collections dept. 

Agan called MRMC call center, again > 1 hour with an operator who refused to simple pass to next level without details.  >30 minute wait and a arrogant next level person who refused to provide their last name and direct ext resulted in, again >1 hour detailed explaination.  They said I owe 1290.00.  No, insurance has provided you the details. 

They said no you must file with insurance.  Called insurance, conferance call between insurence, myself and MRMC.  results:  MRMC will call me in 3-5 days.  No call receivd.  Insurance agan sent the instructions that I did not owe.  I sent a copy of the bill with a signed statement that I did not owe, and would not pay a fradulent bill. 

That I would be filling a formal complaint with HHS and state insurance board.  3 weeks later, a call from a VA. area code left a message that my bill was clear and I owed nothing.  MRMC is a non profit (sure) govt subsitsed hospital.  They service mostely poor, uneducated and indigent.  many of whom don't pay any bills and have nothing to lein or sue for. 

Some patients are hard working blue collar, who would persume the hospital is always correct and make payments after their insurance paid.  Illegal balance billing.  ALWAYS demand a itemixed bill, never pay a general bill.  keep all insurance EOBs and copay receipts.  Always call your insurance if you receive any bills.