[Frangyomory]

I used the emergency room and was very satisfied with the doctors and other staff.

About balance billing, any doctor who signs on as a MEDICARE provider is NOT authorized to balance bill unless you have a MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT such as AARP. When MEDICARE and the supplement don't cover it all, the only thing you are liable for is the deductible. When you are balanced billed, advise the provider, in writing, that they have received full payment in accordance with their contract with MEDICARE.

Many PPOs and HMOs have similar contracts that don't allow them to balance bill. Be sure to read completely your explanation of benefits because in small print it might say.....your provider may bill you xxxx amount but you are not responsible to pay this. Then you can make a copy and send it to the hospital/doctor.

You must learn all you can about your coverage so you don't get caught up in the balance billing cycle. I went to a local cardiac doctor and found out that they billed me for an uncovered expense every time I went to have my coumadin levels checked. I solved this by contacting my insurance administrator who advised me not to pay the extra amount and I advised the doctor's office that I would not be paying this amount. They stopped billing me for it. I also reported them to MEDICARE since I considered what they did as fraud. You should only have to pay deductibles and plan co-pays.

You are your own best steward. Read everything before you sign on the dotted line. Some providers will ask you to sign that you will pay anything that your insurance doesn't cover. You might want to think twice before seeing that provider.

Just some personal advice.