Does anyone understand Labcorp/general insurance things better than I do?

MrsMincks

Let me preface this by asking nicely to please not have any snark or comments along the lines of "you should have known". I know I should have known. The thing is, this is my first time ever dealing with medical bills and insurance on my own, and I'm doing the best I can. 

 Anyway. 

I had the usual tests done at the OB upon my first couple of visits and I received bills from Labcorp totaling over $600, all saying "due upon receipt". Naturally, I panicked, and I used my credit card to pay for them...only to find out that Labcorp sends out bills before my insurance company sends out the thing saying "don't panic, we paid". Whoops.

Does anyone know if I have a snowball's chance of getting my money back? I mean, Labcorp was technically paid twice, right?  

Cholzmei

You can get your money back.  Most likely, Labcorp will send you a check for the amount of the overpayment.  I would call them about it ASAP.

MrsMincks

Please, all the saints and goddesses and whatnot, PLEASE. I am literally at the negative dollar amount in my bank account right now and we are in a total panic.

mrs.gee

Cholzmei:

You can get your money back.  Most likely, Labcorp will send you a check for the amount of the overpayment.  I would call them about it ASAP.

This. They have no right to be paid twice! But good to call to make sure they are not holding it as a balance against any future bills that come in.

books4brooke

I have had to pay for services prior to insurance paying, and I always get reimbursed.  It's likely going to take a while though because they have to receive payment from your insurance company first and then they usually take their time cutting the check.  It can't hurt to call, but they will reimburse you for whatever is overpaid (either they will or your insurance company will- it depends).

Ivana_Stolichnaya

I work in medical billing and I still have trouble figuring out my own medical bills at times, so don't feel bad.

What you need to do is call the 800 # on the lab's bill and explain what happened.  They should be fully aware the situation and how to deal with it.  You should get a refund in the mail.  All they care about is getting paid and they will get their money in the end, so there shouldn't be any fight on their side. 

BOTB2011

That stinks!!

Have you received your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company stating what amount of the labwork they are covering? That EOB is your confirmation that LabCorp did submit it to your insurance also for payment.

Knowing what amount your insurance company paid/as well as what you truly owe for labwork you will be able to call them with specifics. Make sure to ask them when you call when you will expect a check back for the overpayment.

I found out with my 1st u/s that the office didn't submit it to my insurance carrier first so I called and asked that they resubmit the claim prior to my payment.

Hopefully the refund will come quickly!

 

 

jenny_seitz

Even with insurance, I've already paid over $400 to LabCorp (my insurance covers 80%)