Recovering Balance Bill: Is there a maximum amount of time it can be before the provider no longer has to give me back my money?

I paid around $2,000 Out of Pocket for surgical services in 2020 (the end of 2020). This was with an In Network provider, but they requested the fee to be paid upfront and so I just paid it so as to not ruffle any feathers. I’ve done this many times in the past and once insurance pays them, they refund appropriately.

In this case: I paid upfront $2,000 The surgeons agreed upon In Network rate with Aetna was $1,500 I had already met my In Network Max, so Aetna paid 100% of that $1,500

In the meantime I continued having care with this doctor for over 2 years… all the meanwhile I am questioning but being very patient/understanding to the fact that things take time. I keep getting the runaround. “So and so isn’t in the office today”, “so and so is with another patient, can she call you back?” (Never does), blah blah blah.

I am soon going to stop being nice and just have Aetna deal with it, but I don’t want any bad blood… I just want the money that is mine and if the provider has an issue with it… why is that my fault?? Shouldn’t they be taking it up with Aetna?! Am I crazy?? Lol I feel gaslit idk. I have to also be mindful/careful because I am applying to Medical School and the doctor is a professor there, which substantially complicates things for me and is why I have been so patient thus far.

What is the purpose of them stalling?? It’s been over 6 months since my first point of contact about the issue….

submitted by /u/itsconnorbro
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