expect me to pay the doctor with? We are having a really difficult time financially. My husband gets a very large bonus in December and we will be back on track and then some. So here's my question. I recently went to the ER and the ER has billed me for $700, saying I am responsible for this, insurance is not making a payment. My insurance company just sent me a check for $700. It is made out to me and states that the provider (doctor) was out of network so they are paying me and I am to use it to pay what the doctor bills me.

Is it legal to deposit the check in my account and send him payments until december and use the extra to help us through our rough time financially.... or do I have to send the full $700 to the doctor immediately.

I think you have to pay the doctor unless you have some type of supplement plan that pay your directly like AFLAC.


www.healthinfo.bravehost.com

You're playing with fire by not sending it in right away, in full . . .

But it's legal to keep it. The ER can charge you interest, and they can sue you for the payment - and they'll win.

Likely, if you spend it, you're going to have a hard time coming up with it in the future, and it will end up costing you more in the long run.

Well, here's the thing. The provider's already been notified that you got the check, and they have every right to expect payment from you. What you can do is call the billing manager and explain your predicament honestly. If they have a heart, they'll accept your offer of payments until the full $700 is paid, (they don't have to accept it though) but if you don't make the arrangement in advance, they can REALLY come after you for the money - meaning, send you to collection, and screw your credit, or get a judgement against you.

As for the legality of it - it's really not legal for you to keep the money at all. It's technically the provider's payment, it was just sent directly to you instead of them. The money is NOT "yours to do as you wish".