Medical Bill from Apria

Just received a medical bill from Apria, $485.00 for "CPAP System" I have United Health Care. Wondering if they are trying to recoup the money that UHC refused to pay?

Before I pay the bill, going to call my insurance. If it is over the amount my insurance allows for a procedure/purchase, they shouldn't be billing me for the difference.

Am I right?

Typically, Insurance pays only 80% for durable medical equipment. The other 20% is your responsibility.

correct - if the company bills the insurance for - lets use some play numbers - $1200. The insurance company says the "reasonable and customary" or "allowed" amount is $1000, and pays 80% or $800. The company can now only bill you for the difference between the "allowed" and what the insurance paid - so in this example $1000-$800=$200. So they can only bill you the $200 and not $400 (the difference in their original bill of $1200 and the insurance payment of $800). I NEVER pay a medical bill before I get the EOB (Explanation of benefits) from the insurance company.

Bobshouse wrote:Just received a medical bill from Apria, $485.00 for "CPAP System" I have United Health Care. Wondering if they are trying to recoup the money that UHC refused to pay?

Before I pay the bill, going to call my insurance. If it is over the amount my insurance allows for a procedure/purchase, they shouldn't be billing me for the difference.

Am I right?

You should have an itemized bill....if this is for your initial equipment, it is normally for purchasing the humidifier, mask outright and rental for the machine. Apria is noted for incorrect billings.

I NEVER pay a medical bill before I get the EOB (Explanation of benefits) from the insurance company.

i totally agree. If your insurance company "steers" you (internally, they call it steerage-nice, huh?) to a specific DME, rest assured that "balance billing" (billing for more than their contracted rate) is not allowed. Crapria does it anyway, but you don't have to pay those amounts. ONLY the EOB can help you in this determination.

I just received it on the 12th and it's due by the 28th. Thing I don't understand is it's for services on 11/12/2013...I received my cpap in August.

Thanks, Im contacting my insurance Monday and taking your advice and waiting for the EOB.

Called my insurance, United Healthcare and they contacted Apria...I am responsible for 50% of the cost of the machine. Just paid it off, so I guess the machine is now mine!

I have to admit, I was a little nervous, thought Apria was going to mark it up to 1500.00 or more. Turns out I purchased a S9 autoset with humidifier for $970.00, paying half.

Sometimes, if you are polite but persistent, they get themselves straightened out.
Apria sent out a guy in a truck to have me sign a receipt, when I had already signed the identical receipt and hand-delivered it to their office.
For the time being, I am assuming a left hand/right hand thing, but am saving ALL the paperwork in case I need it.
I wonder if Medicare is really going to pay them $18 for two hypoallergenic filters.