Bit of an odd situation and I'm not sure how to handle it -- had a friend that needed to go to Detox. It was a "things need to move quickly" type situation, so I located a place, talked to them and got him checked in that night. The process was essentially that I paid via credit card, they would try and file it on his insurance, and whatever amount his insurance wouldn't cover they would keep and if his insurance covered it all I would get refunded that amount.

Now, went into this fully expecting not to recoup any money, but at the same time I at least want to make sure that if something is able to be covered by insurance that it is.

Unfortunately I'm flying in the dark here a bit -- I don't have access to his insurance (or any claim denials or the like he may have received -- he says he has not received anything), and I don't really want to push him on it since he's obviously dealing with a lot of his own issues.

The detox place is very slow to respond to any kind of contact (takes me 3-4 emails to get a response). All they've been able to send me in this time is a copy of the invoice.

What is my best route to take? From what I can tell the detox place has no real incentive to claim it on the insurance (or if they do, let me know that the insurance covered some) as they already have my money... so I have no real idea if they even bothered to do it.

Can I take the invoice and file a claim with his insurance myself?

Most insurance allows you to file manually. It's a PITA, but nothing should stop you. However let's say they do reimburse something it will be a check made out to your friend not you.

CapCity12thMan said:

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Most insurance allows you to file manually. It's a PITA, but nothing should stop you. However let's say they do reimburse something it will be a check made out to your friend not you.

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Which may be why your friend isn't responding. And I don't think the detox center is allowed to talk to you unless they are asking for money.

Not worried about them cutting him a check, just don't see any real incentive for them to even bother filing a claim when they've already got the money. I'll see if I can get my friend to check his online portal for claims.

maybe have an attorney friend give them a ring

Will your friend give you a medical power of attorney?

Made some good progress. Got the claim information and got my buddy to confirm with his insurance that the place is/was "in-network" and that $720 is all that should be out of pocket (of a $20,500 claim... yay health care industry).

Hoping that getting the detox place to refund all but $720 of my charge back in April isn't a difficult task, but I'm not optimistic. Left the the billing department a voicemail yesterday.

Thanks for all advice given!

DFWag58, the reason you are having issues getting responses from them is that by law they cannot release any information to you as it could be a PHI (Protected Health Information) or HIPPA violation. Even billing issues can get tricky. I work in insurance and even if a broker wants to talk claims on behalf of a client, we need a consent form from the insured. It does sound like you made some good progress through your buddy. I have been through several similar situations with an addict and know there might be some fear in discussing dollars during a detox or rehab situation. However, having that conversation allows them the process of accountability for the addiction. It's tough though. Hoping it goes well for you!