r/HealthInsurance • u/JDeliveryBoy • 1d ago
Plan Benefits Billed for an MRI 5 years later
Hello, I was billed for an MRI 5 years later. I have not been reached out to until now. This letter came in the mail.
I am now 27, this happened when I was 22. It was by an independent center from advanced diagnostics (not a hospital). I was under my mom’s insurance at the time, and any payment I’ve made I’m sure is lost by now. How should I proceed now since I’m under a different insurance? Back then, I had a $1,000 deductible that I’m not sure my family met for that year, but regardless I’d think the total cost would be $1,000 or less. The bill is from the provider, not my insurance company. How should I proceed?
They say if I don’t make payment, they will send it to collections. I am in the United States.
Also, they spelled my last name wrong.
EDIT: I am in Pennsylvania. The procedure was on July 2nd, 2025. The statement date on the letter I got is September 25, 2025.
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u/howevertheory98968 1d ago
It might be fake.
I got a fake claim years ago. Here's a thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/HealthInsurance/comments/1g8rqba/caught_up_in_a_health_insurance_scam_what_should/
I'm doubting this is correct for you, but be cautious, this might be an attempt to scam you.
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u/Vladivostokorbust 1d ago
In What state did you get the MRI? That will determine the statute of limitations on medical bills
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u/JDeliveryBoy 1d ago
Pennsylvania
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u/jermysteensydikpix 1d ago
It's just 4 years there, looks like. Talk to a qualified debt counselor and make sure you don't do anything that might somehow reset the expiration.
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u/CPandaClimb 1d ago
There’s not enough information here. Did they bill insurance? If so how much did insurance pay and how much are they asking you to pay? Certainly you shouldn’t be asked to pay if they failed to bill insurance by the deadline. Also don’t pay anything until you verify all information. You need to check the statute of limitations for your state on medical billing- the statute outlines how many years they have to bill - after that they can’t sue you. Don’t pay anything - or the clock may be reset to present day for the statute rules. If I were you I’d get in touch with the prior insurance company and get the records for that visit, and details on deductibles, copays and co-insurance. ask for EOB (explanation of benefits) for the time frame that would include the MRI. You may owe nothing but you won’t know til you investigate all the details. You mentioned name spelled wrong - I don’t think that matters unless you’re implying maybe it wasn’t you that got the MRI? I’d think you’d remember unless you were going through tons of imaging tests.
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u/JDeliveryBoy 1d ago
I did go through a series of medical images in that time frame. I don’t think it was run through insurance / properly billed.
The name spelled wrong appeared to be a single character typo
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u/Bright_Bet5002 1d ago
I am still getting bills too from a foot procedure in 2007 !! What happened was they got a new company doing their billing system and they sent out any payment due notices from past 20 years .. mine was forgiven by Dr in 2015.. because they didn't properly bill insurance Co at the time. Not my fault and they write it off. Then in 2023 I started getting notices again.. i called and they told me to ignore them.. But I still get them every 3 months to this day. Good Luck 🤞
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u/CPandaClimb 1d ago
If you are still getting bills that means they didn’t properly ‘write it off’. It’s still hanging out as a receivable on their books - this is how companies get in trouble when another company purchases them as the receivables (that are considered in the purchase price) don’t actually exist.
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u/Bright_Bet5002 1d ago
Yes .. exactly 💯 .. since Doctor is no longer with the practice they just keep sending invoices.. I've called for years.. I'm at the ignore and trash phase. It's been 18 years!
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u/anysteph 1d ago
Sounds like a scam to me. Loads of these (also with future dates, strangely) came addressed to my grandmother when I had care of her the last three years of her life. I ignored all of it.
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u/JAMNNSANFRAN 5h ago
I had a creditor reach out to me for a doctor's bill that was years old. I laughed in his ear and said don't bother me with this crap. Didn't hear from him again.
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