Expert: Chris Ebert - 9/1/2009

Question
My daughter was 5150'd due to psychiatric problems in 04/07. The ER I brought her to and psych hospital (that the ER sent her to via 5150) billed her Medi-Cal (medicaid of California) just fine. However, the ambulance company that transported her between hospitals did not. Three times I have sent them copies of her Medi-Cal card and requested they bill Medi-Cal. They are aware that it is illegal to bill Medi-Cal patients for services. They continued to harass me and then sent it to a collection agency that continues to harass me. I have sent both of them (ambulance company and collection agency) not only copies of my daughter's Medi-Cal card, but also a letter from my TANF social worker that says she was covered at that time, and also an enclosed letter from me saying that it is illegal to bill Medi-Cal patients. I even spoke with the collection agency's "insurance desk" person multiple times, and that person directed me to do exactly as I have done above, twice. They continue to harass me. I may have to move soon as I am having difficulty finding a job in my area (I just graduated with a Ph.D.). I do not want this "credit" problem to interfere with my ability to get a job or move to another area if necessary for a new job. Please advise.

Answer
Colleen,

What this really sounds like to me is that the ambulance company did not submit the billing to Medi-Cal in time to get paid.

It really sounds like you have taken every prudent step. The only thing I could suggest is to send one last certified letter to them and if they can not fix then sue the ambulance company and collection agency in small claims court.