[784caroline]

We also had a situation with the TV hospital where they wanted about $600 for elective surgery. They demanded payment up front. I actually called BCBS in Jacksonville and they were very helpful in trying to talk sense to the the hospital. MY argument is that is they are a "Preferred" hospital within the BCBS system, and we should be able to wait for the BCBS Explaination Of Benefits (EOB) before we make any payment. I also wrote a letter to BCBS and the HOspital Administrator voicing my concerns about the billing practice.....and these practices are being applied to people with fairly decent insurance!!!!!!!!!

On the day of surgery at check in, the hospital person said I see you have been in touch with our administrators regarding your copay...I said yes. They "asked" me ...yes asked me if I would like to make any pre payment and I said I will pay $100 and await the EOB before I make final payment. They accepted the $100...had the surgery and I paid another $150 or so that was my copay...but not the $600 they originally were asking.

Suggest you complain to BCBS or write them a letter explaining what happened and send a copy to the hospital administrator. IF BCBS gets enough of these, the hospital could be in Jeapordy of losing there preferred BCBS status...and I don't think they want to lost that. The hospital will try and get as much as they can from you up front...fight back and use BCBS's help if you need it.