#MedicalBill #TexasLaws #TimelyBilling
Understanding Texas Timely Billing Law
If you live in Texas and received a medical bill over 15 months after services were provided, you may be wondering about your rights and options. In Texas, there is a timely billing law that healthcare providers must adhere to.
What Does the Law Say?
The Texas timely billing law requires healthcare providers to bill patients no later than the first day of the 11th month after services were provided. If a bill is sent after this timeframe, the provider may not be able to collect payment for those services.
Can You Decline Payment?
If you have received a bill that falls outside of the timely billing law timeframe, you may have the option to decline payment. It is important to review the bill carefully and confirm that it is indeed outside of the designated timeframe.
What to Do Next
If you are certain that the bill you received is in violation of the timely billing law, you may choose to dispute the charges. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Contact the Provider
Reach out to the healthcare provider to discuss the situation and inquire about the billing discrepancy. It is possible that there was an error or oversight on their part.
2. Seek Legal Advice
If you are unsure about your rights or how to proceed, consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in healthcare billing laws.
3. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all correspondence with the healthcare provider regarding the bill, including dates and outcomes of discussions.
4. Stay Informed
Stay up to date on Texas healthcare billing laws to ensure you are aware of your rights and protections as a patient.
In conclusion, if you have received a medical bill over 15 months after services were provided in Texas, it is important to understand your rights under the timely billing law. By being proactive and informed, you can take the necessary steps to address any billing discrepancies and protect your financial interests.
I don’t know, if you owe money to anyone else, would you say “hey it’s been a long time, it don’t count anymore?” Nope, you’d be glad that they didn’t add interest on top. People feel so entitled.
The law appears a little more complicated than you say. For example, if you had insurance and this bill went through insurance then it is possible they can still bill you….
[https://casetext.com/statute/texas-codes/civil-practice-and-remedies-code/title-6-miscellaneous-provisions/chapter-146-certain-claims-by-health-care-service-providers-barred/section-146002-timely-billing-required](https://casetext.com/statute/texas-codes/civil-practice-and-remedies-code/title-6-miscellaneous-provisions/chapter-146-certain-claims-by-health-care-service-providers-barred/section-146002-timely-billing-required)
Honestly, unless you are super clear that you don’t owe the money under this law since it is only $250 I would be tempted to just pay it. You got the services, right? You don’t want to screw up your credit and get taken to collections over a silly $250 for something you really got. Now if it was 25k then you’d have a lot more incentive to try and track down the true answer, but for $250 I’d just be moving on.
Not sure about Texas law but medical bills less than $500 will not show up on your credit reports ever, and if a debt collector contacts you it is your legal right to have them stop calling.
The worst that would likely happen is that this doctor refuses further non-emergency care (they can’t refuse to treat you while in the ER for a legit emergency). Although if the doctor is part of a large health system the entire health system could refuse future non-ER care.
I would say the right thing to do is pay your debt for services provided