Need Advice on an Ambulance Bill – California

Hello!

I had a really bad episode of low blood pressure last year that caused me to repeatedly pass out. My partner called 911, rightfully so, and I got an ambulance ride to the nearby hospital. The emts couldn't get an IV in me (tried three times oof), but they did do a ecg test. As always, this was out-of-network (I have UHC).

I ended up getting billed $1.8k, UHC paid little less than half of the bill which was $3.2k total. After many calls, I got UHC to reprocess the claim and they paid the majority of the $1.8k left over, but there is still a small balance. I’m very lucky that with my insurance UHC covers even out-of-network ground ambulances, as long as it’s medically necessary. The reason they did not pay the remaining balance was: "Benefits for this service or supply are denied. It is considered part of another service and it is not allowed as a separate charge. (I4)"

The service in question is disposable supplies with a billing code A0398. I am really broke at the moment and any amount of money I can keep in my pocket helps, I am so relieved I don’t have to pay $1.8k but I’m trying to get the rest covered if I can. UHC has been incredibly difficult to work with. I contact them, tell them the situation, I get the same response, "We have already paid the provider, you are not responsible for this claim." Once I told them the ambulance company is threatening to go to collection, they called the ambulance company again on my behalf to give them my EOB (I had already told them this will not work since it's out-of-network), and surprise – it did not work.

Now, after I continued to reach out to UHC about this bill, they have set up a three way call with a UHC specialist, the ambulance company, and I for a future date.

I already went through contacting the UHC billing team for getting the majority of the balance bill paid, the billing rep warned me about the balance bill I might get after and said if I do, UHC would help.

Is there anything I can use to negotiate with the ambulance company? I have a feeling UHC is not going to fight that hard on my behalf. I am wondering if the ambulance company is attempting to double charge me for something and if there is anything I can use to settle the bill. Anything helps!

submitted by /u/HoldmyHoops13
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