AboutChris Ebert Expertise I can answer questions for Texas and California residents concerning issues that involve creditor and debtor rights. Specifically, I can answer questions concerning: FDCPA, FACTA, FCRA, and Texas / California state collections violations.
Experience For the last 6 years I have worked as a Sr. Paralegal in a law firm (http://www.henleycreditlaw.com) that defends debtors against their creditors. I have reviewed thousands of credit reports and under the supervision of our attorney helped hundreds of client resolve their credit issues.
Organizations Henley & Henley, PC
Education/Credentials BBA University of Texas at Austin
Question A few days ago I received a bill from my dentist for services rendered in early 2007 - roughly 2 1/2 years ago. This is the very first time that they have contacted me regarding this. My question is, am I still liable for this amount even if it's 2 1/2 years old? Would the dental insurance company drag their feet this long to let them know that the claim has been denied? What are my rights with regards to the dental office as well as the Insurance company? By the way, the bill was for $1500 and was not itemized.
Answer Alteon,
The short answer is you are liable for your debts. A creditor (in California and Texas) has 4 years to sue you.
To take care of this debt I would:
a) go back to the original dentist and get an itemized bill. Ask them when they submitted the claim to the insurance company. Get as much documentation from them as you can.
2) Go to the insurance company and then see why they denied the claim.
At that point you will need to find the fault: you, the insurance company, or the dentist. If it is you then you will need to settle. If it is one of the other two then you will need to force them to take care of it.
