Christopher P. Foley, Of Counsel
The parents of two adult children took a trip to visit one of them, and while they were driving home, tragedy struck. A serious accident claimed the mother’s life instantly, and the father survived in intensive care for two weeks before succumbing to his injuries. In the aftermath, the family faced an extensive medical bill for the father’s treatment. His wallet, which reportedly contained his health insurance card, was never recovered.
The Challenge
The couple had been living separately, leaving their children to search both parents’ homes for health insurance information. They found an old Medicare card, and promptly tendered it to the hospital. Months later, they were told the card was no longer valid and that the entire bill, therefore, remained due.
The Solution
After the family members contacted Schwartz, Conroy & Hack, attorney Christopher P. Foley swiftly began the arduous process of unraveling what had happened and uncovering why the hospital bill had gone unpaid. Chris navigated through multiple challenges, from out-of-network disputes to the complex web of Medicare rules defining which costs are covered and which costs must be waived.
The Result
After two years of persistent investigation, documentation and negotiation, Schwartz, Conroy & Hack convinced Medicare to pay a share of the bill, and the hospital agreed not to pursue the balance. This resolution allowed the siblings to move forward with the administration of their parents’ estates, bringing closure to the devastating episode.
The Takeaway
Unfortunately, this kind of tragedy is not rare, and the financial stress following their parents’ deaths only deepened the heartbreak for the siblings. This serves as a cautionary tale for others to keep copies of their insurance cards and other essential information in a designated place at home. Be sure to share with loved ones how to locate your insurance information, will, and power of attorney or living trust. Preparation today can spare your family unnecessary hardship tomorrow.
If you or someone you know is facing uncertainty with an insurance claim, contact Schwartz, Conroy and Hack, PC to evaluate your case. We have the expertise and tenacity to make insurance companies keep the promises they make to policyholders like you.
