Take Care
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming—Take Care is here to change that. Hosted by healthcare leader and industry expert Melody Mulaik, this podcast breaks down the complexities of healthcare so you can be empowered, informed, and in control. Whether you're managing your own care or supporting someone else, each episode delivers clear, practical insights to help you take care of what matters most. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us in making healthcare less confusing—and more human.
Take Care
Do I Have to Pay a Medical Bill That Arrives Months Later? | Ep. 10
It’s one of the most frustrating healthcare experiences: you think you’ve settled all the costs from a procedure, and then months later, another bill appears out of nowhere. Do you have to pay for it? In this episode, Melody Mulaik tackles this common question by introducing the critical concept of "timely filing." She explains that providers have a contractual deadline to submit bills to your insurance, and if they miss it, you may not be responsible for the cost.
Learn the simple research step you must take before paying any late medical bill to see if the financial obligation is actually yours.
Featured Topics:
- What is "timely filing" and why does it matter for patients
- How to use your insurance company's website to investigate a late bill
- The difference between a valid patient responsibility and a provider error
- What happens when an insurer denies a claim because it was filed too late
Tune in to learn how to determine your actual responsibility for a delayed bill and empower yourself against paying for a provider’s administrative mistake.
What You’ll Hear:
- 00:00 - The frustration of a surprise, late medical bill
- 00:35 - The first step: Research before you pay
- 00:55 - Understanding the "timely filing" rule for providers
- 01:25 - How to check if your insurance paid the claim
- 01:50 - When you ARE obligated to pay the bill
- 01:58 - When you ARE NOT obligated to pay the bill
- 02:20 - Why a late filing is the provider's responsibility, not yours
Want to Ask Melody: https://takecarepod.com/ASK
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