“You’re Denied”: The First 3 Things You Must Do Immediately
Don’t Panic. Plan.
The denial letter felt like a punch to the gut. For a moment, I just stared at it, my heart sinking. But then, I took a deep breath and sprang into action. First, I put the letter down and refused to panic. Second, I called the phone number on the letter and politely asked the representative for the specific reason for the denial. I wrote down everything they said. Third, before hanging up, I asked them to mail me a formal, written explanation for the denial. This gave me a calm starting point and the exact information I needed to build my appeal.
The One Sentence That Got My Charity Care Denial Overturned
The Words That Changed Everything
My appeal letter was full of details, numbers, and documents. But I believe my entire case was won because of a single sentence I included in the first paragraph. After stating the reason for their denial—that my income was too high based on last year’s taxes—I wrote: “I am appealing this decision because my financial situation has materially changed since that tax filing, due to a recent job loss.” Those words immediately reframed my application. It forced them to look beyond the old data and evaluate my current, real-life hardship, which led them to overturn their decision.
I Turned a Hard “No” Into a Full “Yes” in One Appeal Letter
From Rejection to Full Forgiveness
The denial felt so final. The letter simply said I didn’t qualify. Instead of giving up, I treated it like a puzzle. The hospital said my income was too high. So, my appeal letter focused on proving why it wasn’t. I didn’t just say they were wrong; I showed them. I included a simple worksheet that subtracted my health insurance premiums and child support payments from my gross pay, showing a much lower “countable income.” I attached proof for every deduction. It was a clear, undeniable case that directly addressed their reason for denial, and it worked.
How to Use the Hospital’s Own Policy Against Them in an Appeal
I Found Their Rulebook and Used It
After my application was denied, I felt powerless. It seemed like they could make up any rules they wanted. Then, I went to the hospital’s website and searched for their “Financial Assistance Policy.” I downloaded the full 15-page document and read it carefully. I found a clause stating that catastrophic medical bills could be considered a special circumstance. In my appeal letter, I quoted their own policy word-for-word. I wrote, “As stated in Section 4.C of your own policy…” They could not argue with their own rules, and my denial was quickly reversed.
The “Secret” Second Level of Appeals Most Hospitals Don’t Talk About
The Appeal After the Appeal
I submitted my appeal and was devastated when I received a second denial letter. It said the decision was final. I almost gave up, but a social worker told me to call and ask for a “second-level review” or a “grievance committee review.” It wasn’t mentioned in the letter, but it was a formal process. I had to submit another letter, this time addressed to the committee. It was reviewed by a different group of people, higher up the chain. This secret second step, which most people don’t know exists, was the one that finally got my case approved.
I Sued the Hospital After a Wrongful Denial and Won—Here’s How
My Day in Small Claims Court
The hospital wrongfully denied my charity care application and refused my appeal. The bill was $7,500, and I knew they were wrong. Instead of hiring a lawyer, I took them to small claims court. My case was simple: I presented the judge with the hospital’s own written charity care policy and my financial documents, showing how I clearly qualified. I had every email and letter organized. The hospital sent a lawyer who couldn’t refute the facts. The judge ruled in my favor, ordering the hospital to forgive the entire bill. It was intimidating, but my documentation made the case.
The Top 5 Reasons for Denial and How to Beat Each One
A Helpful Clerk Explained It All
My denial letter was vague, so I called and politely asked for more details. A surprisingly helpful clerk told me she sees the same five mistakes all the time. 1) Missing signatures—so I double-checked every page. 2) Incomplete information—I filled in every single box, even with “N/A.” 3) Mismatched income—I made sure my pay stubs perfectly matched what I wrote on the form. 4) The application was late—so I asked for an exception due to my illness. 5) Income was too high—I found deductions they missed. By addressing these common errors, my appeal was successful.
How to Get a Patient Advocate to Fight Your Denial for You
I Was Too Tired to Fight, So They Fought for Me
After weeks of dealing with my illness, the denial letter for financial aid felt like the final blow. I didn’t have the energy to fight. I searched online for “free patient advocate” and found the Patient Advocate Foundation. I filled out their online form, and within days, a case manager called me. She took over everything. She reviewed my denial, gathered the right documents, and wrote the appeal letter on my behalf. She knew all the rules and loopholes. Having a professional, compassionate expert on my side was a game-changer, and she won the appeal for me.
I Was Denied for “Missing Information”—Here’s My Rebuttal
The Easiest Denial to Overcome
I was so frustrated when I saw the denial reason: “Application denied due to missing information.” It turned out I had forgotten to include my most recent bank statement. I didn’t panic or get angry. I simply printed the statement they needed. I wrote a very short, polite cover letter that said, “In response to your letter dated [Date], please find the attached bank statement that was missing from my original application. Thank you for reconsidering my case.” I mailed it back the same day. A week later, the approval letter arrived. It was that simple.
The Power of a Certified Letter in the Appeals Process
Making Sure They Couldn’t Ignore Me
I sent my first appeal letter and heard nothing for weeks. When I called, they claimed they never received it. I knew I couldn’t let that happen again. For my second attempt, I went to the post office and sent the exact same appeal letter via Certified Mail with a return receipt. A few days later, I got a postcard back with a signature and date, proving they had it. That little green card became my leverage. When I called to follow up, I could say, “My appeal was signed for by your mailroom on [Date],” and suddenly, my case was found and processed.
How to Escalate Your Appeal to the Hospital’s Board of Directors
Taking It to the Top
My appeals were denied, and I felt I had hit a brick wall with the billing department. My last resort was to go to the very top. I found the names of the hospital’s CEO and Board of Directors on their website. I wrote a professional, respectful letter addressed to the board chair. I didn’t complain; I calmly laid out the facts of my case, the reasons for my denial, and how it contradicted their mission as a non-profit. I sent it via certified mail. Two weeks later, I got a call from the CEO’s office. My bill was being forgiven.
I Filed a Complaint With the State and My Denial Was Magically Reversed
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
The hospital unfairly denied my charity care application and my appeal. I felt helpless against them. Then, I filed a formal complaint against the hospital with my state’s Attorney General’s office. The online form was simple to fill out. I attached my denial letter and a brief explanation. For two weeks, I heard nothing. Then, I got a call from a vice president at the hospital. She was incredibly apologetic, mentioned they had been contacted by the Attorney General, and said my denial was a mistake. The bill was immediately forgiven. That one complaint got their attention.
The Legal Aid Lawyer’s Guide to Winning Your Charity Care Appeal
The Pro Bono Advantage
I was lost in a sea of paperwork after my denial, and I knew I was in over my head. I couldn’t afford a lawyer, so I called my local Legal Aid Society. They connected me with a lawyer who specialized in healthcare law, completely free of charge. She looked at my denial and immediately knew what to do. She drafted an appeal letter that was so professional and legally sound, citing specific state laws and hospital regulations, that the hospital had no room to argue. Her expertise turned my hopeless case into a guaranteed win.
How to Re-Apply Immediately After a Denial (And Get Approved)
A Second Chance Was All I Needed
My application was denied because I made a stupid mistake: I listed my household size as “1,” even though I financially support my elderly mother. This made my income per person too high. When I got the denial, I didn’t even bother with a formal appeal. I simply filled out a brand-new application form. This time, I correctly listed my household size as “2” and included my mother’s information. I submitted it as a new application, not an appeal. Because the numbers were now correct, the new application was approved without any issues.
The “Informal Review” Trick That Avoids a Formal Appeal
A Conversation, Not a Confrontation
The formal appeal process felt intimidating, with strict deadlines and legalistic language. Instead of going down that road after my denial, I called the financial counselor I had spoken with before. I was polite and said, “I was disappointed to receive the denial and I think there might be a misunderstanding about my income. Before I file a formal appeal, would it be possible to have an informal review of my file with you or a supervisor?” This non-confrontational approach worked. She took another look, saw the error, and fixed it without me ever having to write an appeal letter.
How I Used My Medical Records to Prove My Case
My Doctor’s Notes Were My Best Evidence
I was denied charity care because my income, on paper, was slightly too high. But my medical reality told a different story. I requested a copy of my medical records from my hospital stay. In the doctor’s progress notes, he had written, “Patient will be unable to work for at least three months post-op.” This was the golden ticket. I included a copy of that specific page in my appeal. It was official, internal documentation proving that my future income would be zero. It directly linked my medical condition to my financial hardship, and my appeal was quickly approved.
The Evidence I Gathered That Made My Appeal Undeniable
Building a Mountain of Proof
When I appealed my denial, I decided to leave no room for doubt. I didn’t just send one letter; I built a case file. I included my termination letter from my job, showing my income was now zero. I included my last bank statement, showing my balance was less than $100. I included a past-due notice from my landlord to prove my housing was at risk. I even included a letter from my brother, detailing the money he was loaning me for groceries. It was a mountain of evidence showing a complete picture of my financial collapse. They couldn’t deny it.
I Was Denied for Being “Out of Network”—Here’s the Loophole
An Emergency Isn’t a Choice
I was hit with a massive bill because the ambulance took me to an out-of-network hospital during my emergency. My insurer paid very little, and the hospital denied my charity care application because I had “out-of-network” insurance. I won my appeal by using a simple argument: it was a medical emergency. I wrote, “I did not choose this hospital. I was taken here by ambulance during a life-threatening event. Under state law, this must be treated as in-network care.” They knew I was right. Emergency situations are a major loophole in the “out-of-network” denial game.
How to Use a Journalist to Get Your Unfair Denial Overturned
My Story Became a Headline
I had exhausted all my options. The hospital had unfairly denied my appeal, and I was facing a crushing debt. As a last resort, I emailed the consumer investigative reporter at my local TV news station. I sent her a short, compelling email with the subject line: “Non-profit hospital wrongfully denies charity care to cancer patient.” I included my denial letter and proof of my income. The reporter was intrigued. She made one phone call to the hospital’s PR department. That’s all it took. The next day, I got a call from the hospital, and my entire bill was forgiven.
The Step-by-Step Process for Appealing a “Partial” Forgiveness
Asking for More, Politely
I was grateful when the hospital forgave 50% of my bill, but the remaining $10,000 was still impossible for me to pay. I decided to appeal for more. First, I wrote a letter thanking them for the partial forgiveness. Second, I included a detailed monthly budget showing that after rent and food, I had nothing left to pay them. Third, I respectfully requested they review my file for a higher level of assistance, up to 100%. By showing gratitude and providing clear evidence of my remaining hardship, I was able to get the rest of the bill forgiven.
I Was Told I Applied “Too Late”—This Law Proved Them Wrong
The ACA’s Secret Deadline
The hospital denied my application because I submitted it more than 90 days after my surgery. They said I had missed the deadline. I was about to give up, but then I did some research on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). I found a provision, Section 501(r), that requires non-profit hospitals to accept and process applications for at least 240 days after the first bill is sent. I cited this federal law in my appeal letter. The hospital’s internal “90-day deadline” was invalid. They knew they were caught, and my application was processed and approved.
How to Document Every Conversation to Build a Winning Appeal
My Notebook of Truth
After my first frustrating phone call with the billing office, I started a dedicated notebook. For every single phone call, I created a new entry. I wrote down the date, the time, the name of the person I spoke with, and a summary of what we discussed. When my appeal was denied and they claimed I had never sent a certain document, I could flip through my notebook. I responded, “According to my notes, I spoke with Brenda on October 5th at 10:15 AM, and she confirmed receipt of that document.” This level of documentation is impossible to argue with.
The Emotional Letter to the CEO That Got My Denial Reversed
An Appeal to the Heart
My formal appeals had been denied based on technicalities. I felt like a number, not a person. My last hope was to write a letter directly to the hospital’s CEO. I didn’t focus on the numbers. I told him my story. I wrote about how the illness had impacted my family and my children. I wrote about my fears for our future if we were saddled with this debt. It was honest, respectful, and emotional. I was appealing to his humanity, not just his policy book. A week later, I received a personal letter back from him, and the news that my bill had been forgiven.
How to Find a Hospital’s “Grievance” Policy and Use It
The Other Path to an Appeal
The standard appeal process failed me. I felt stuck. I went to the hospital’s website and, instead of looking at the billing section, I looked for a link called “Patient Rights” or “Patient Advocate.” There, I found their official “Patient Grievance Policy.” It was a completely separate process designed to handle complaints of any kind. I filed a formal grievance about the wrongful denial of my financial aid. This sent my case to a different department, outside of finance, and that fresh set of eyes was all I needed to get the denial overturned.
I Was Denied Because of My Insurance—Here’s the Flaw in Their Logic
The “Underinsured” Argument
The hospital denied my application with a simple note: “Patient has commercial insurance.” I was floored. Yes, I had insurance, but it came with a $10,000 deductible that I had to pay out of pocket. In my appeal, I attacked the flaw in their logic. I wrote, “Having insurance is not the same as having the ability to pay. I am ‘underinsured.’ My policy leaves me with a bill that is more than half my annual income.” I asked them to evaluate my application based on the unaffordable out-of-pocket costs, not just the existence of an insurance card. It worked.
How to Build a “Timeline of Events” for a Powerful Appeal
Making My Story Easy to Follow
My case was complicated, with multiple hospital visits and confusing bills. To make my appeal as clear as possible, the first page was a simple “Timeline of Events.” I used bullet points to list every single thing that had happened, starting with the date of my surgery. I included dates of bills received, applications submitted, and every phone call made. This timeline gave the reviewer a simple, one-page summary of my entire ordeal. It showed my diligence and made it easy for them to understand the history of my case before they even looked at the other documents.
The Financial Mistake I Made That Led to My Denial (And How to Fix It)
Forgetting My Biggest Debt
I couldn’t understand why my application was denied; my income was low. Then I looked over the copy I had made. My heart sank. I had completely forgotten to list my massive student loan debt on the application. They had denied me because, on paper, it looked like I had plenty of disposable income. I immediately filed an appeal. The only new information I provided was a copy of my student loan statement. I wrote, “Please reconsider my application with this additional documentation of my $800 monthly student loan payment.” The appeal was quickly approved.
I Used a Simple Chart to Prove My Financial Hardship
A Picture That Showed I Was Broke
I knew the person reviewing my appeal was probably looking at hundreds of files. I needed to make my situation instantly clear. Along with my letter, I included a simple, colorful pie chart that I made online for free. The chart showed my total monthly income. The slices of the pie showed where it all went: 60% to rent, 20% to food and utilities, 15% to my car payment. The final slice, labeled “Leftover,” was tiny. This one visual aid showed, more powerfully than any paragraph could, that I had no money left to pay their bill.
How to Name-Drop the Right People in Your Appeal Letter
Showing I Did My Homework
In my appeal letter, I wanted to show that I had been diligent and that I was paying attention. I didn’t just write to a faceless department. In the first paragraph, I wrote, “I am writing to appeal this decision, as suggested by Financial Counselor Jane Doe during our phone call on October 15th.” By mentioning the name and advice of a specific employee, it did two things. It immediately gave my appeal more credibility and showed that I was following their process. It also made it harder for them to ignore, because a specific employee was now attached to my case.
The “Good Faith” Argument That Can Overturn a Technicality Denial
An Honest Mistake
I was denied because I missed a deadline by three days. I was still recovering and simply lost track of the date. In my appeal, I didn’t make excuses. Instead, I made a “good faith” argument. I wrote, “I can assure you that I have acted in good faith throughout this process. My failure to meet the deadline was a simple oversight due to my medical condition, not an attempt to avoid my obligations. I have attached the completed application and ask that you review it based on its merits.” This humble, honest approach worked, and they accepted my late application.
How to Get Your Doctor to Write a Letter of Support for Your Appeal
The Most Powerful Signature in the Hospital
My appeal felt like my word against the hospital’s. I needed a powerful ally. I scheduled a follow-up appointment with my surgeon. During the visit, I explained the financial stress I was under because of the bill and the denial of aid. I asked if he would be willing to write a short letter on my behalf. He agreed. He wrote a letter to the financial aid committee stating that financial stress could impede my recovery. That letter, from a respected physician on their own staff, added incredible weight to my appeal and helped get it approved.
I Was Denied by a Computer—Here’s How to Get a Human to Review It
“Please Escalate This to a Supervisor”
The denial letter I received was generic and clearly generated by a computer based on a keyword scan of my application. It didn’t make any sense. I called the billing office and calmly stated my case. Then I used a key phrase: “I believe my application was denied by an automated system. I would like to formally request a manual review of my entire file by a supervisor.” This is the magic phrase that pushes your file out of the digital queue and onto the desk of a real person who has the authority to make a common-sense decision.
The One Question to Ask That Stumps the Billing Department
The Policy Question
During a frustrating phone call about my appeal, the representative kept giving me vague reasons for the denial. I realized I needed to pin her down. I calmly asked, “I understand what you are saying, but can you please direct me to the specific section and page number in the hospital’s written Financial Assistance Policy where that rule is stated?” There was a long pause. She didn’t have an answer, because it wasn’t a real rule, just something they typically did. That question exposed the weakness in their argument and turned the conversation in my favor.
How to Use a Hospital’s Non-Profit Status to Your Advantage in an Appeal
A Gentle Reminder of Their Mission
Non-profit hospitals receive huge tax breaks in exchange for providing a “community benefit,” which includes charity care. After my appeal was denied, I wrote a final letter to the head of the department. In the letter, I respectfully wrote, “As a non-profit hospital, you have a legal and ethical obligation to serve the community. Denying assistance to a family that clearly meets the federal poverty guidelines seems to contradict that core mission.” This gentle reminder of their legal obligations can be a powerful tool to encourage them to reconsider a denial.
I Requested My Entire File and Found the Reason for My Denial
The Typo That Almost Cost Me Thousands
I couldn’t understand why I was denied. My appeal was denied, too. I felt like I was missing something. I sent a formal letter requesting a copy of my complete financial assistance file. When I got the packet, I found the problem on the second page. The hospital employee who entered my data had typed my annual income as $85,000 instead of $35,000. It was a simple typo. My appeal was a single page, pointing out their clerical error and including a copy of their own worksheet. The denial was reversed immediately.
The Power of “Requesting a Meeting” With the Financial Assistance Team
It’s Harder to Say No to a Face
My letters and emails felt impersonal and were easy to ignore. After my appeal was denied, I called and asked for a 15-minute, in-person meeting with a financial assistance supervisor. I wanted to look them in the eye and explain my situation. They were hesitant, but they agreed. Sitting at a table, I was no longer just a case number. I was a real person from their community who was struggling. That face-to-face meeting created a human connection that no letter ever could, and it was what finally got my case approved.
How to Use Public Records to Support Your Appeal Case
Using Data to Back Up My Story
I live in one of the most expensive counties in the state, but the hospital’s income limits didn’t account for that. In my appeal, I used public data to prove my point. I went to the U.S. Census Bureau website and printed out data showing my county’s median income and average housing costs. I compared these to the state average. This public record showed that my “high” income was actually below the median for my specific area. It was hard data that proved my cost of living was a significant financial hardship, supporting my case for aid.
I Was Denied for a Clerical Error—Here’s How I Got it Fixed Fast
The Easiest Appeal I Ever Wrote
When I got my denial letter, I read it carefully. The reason listed was, “Income of $78,000 exceeds program limits.” But I only made $38,000 a year. It was a clear clerical error on their part. I didn’t fill out a complex appeal form. I simply made a copy of their denial letter, circled the incorrect income number, and wrote “This is a clerical error. My correct income is $38,000, as shown on the pay stubs I submitted.” I mailed it back. A week later, I got a new letter. It was an approval.
The Social Media Post That Pressured the Hospital Into Reconsidering
A Public Question Gets a Private Answer
My appeal had been sitting in a black hole for a month with no response. I was frustrated and felt ignored. So I went to the hospital’s official Facebook page. I found a recent post they had made and left a public, but very polite, comment. I wrote: “I have been waiting over 30 days for a response to my financial assistance appeal (Case #12345). Could someone please look into this for me? Thank you.” Within an hour, I had a private message from their social media manager asking for my contact information. The next day, my appeal was approved.
How to Involve Your State’s Department of Health in Your Dispute
The Government as Your Ally
The hospital was being unreasonable, denying my appeal even though I clearly qualified under their own policy. I had hit a wall. So, I went to my state’s Department of Health website and filed a formal complaint against the hospital’s billing practices. It created an official record of my dispute outside of the hospital’s system. An investigator from the DOH contacted the hospital on my behalf to inquire about the case. The external pressure from a government regulatory body was all it took to get the hospital to suddenly “re-evaluate” my case and approve it.
The Difference Between “Denied” and “Incomplete” (And Why it Matters)
A Crucial Distinction
The letter I received said my application “could not be approved.” I thought it was a final denial. I was about to give up, but I decided to call and ask one question: “Is this a final denial, or is my application considered incomplete?” The representative told me it was “incomplete” because I was missing a pay stub. This was great news. A denial means you have to start a formal appeal. An incomplete notice means you just have to provide the missing piece. I sent in the pay stub, and the application was approved, saving me from a long appeal process.
How to Write an Appeal So Clear a 5th Grader Could Understand It
Simplicity Is Key
I imagined the person reading my appeal was tired and overworked. So I made my letter as simple as possible. I used short sentences. I used bullet points instead of long paragraphs. I started with a clear summary: “I was denied because my income was listed as $50,000. This is incorrect. My actual income is $30,000.” Then, I used bullet points to list the evidence I was providing. By making my appeal incredibly easy to read and understand in under 60 seconds, I made it easy for the reviewer to say “yes.”
I Hired a “Medical Billing Advocate” for $500 and Saved $50,000
The Best Money I Ever Spent
I was facing a $50,000 bill and a denial letter that I didn’t understand. I felt completely outmatched. I found a company called a “medical billing advocate” online. They charged a flat fee of $500 to handle my case. It felt like a lot of money at the time, but it was the best investment I ever made. The advocate knew exactly who to call and what to say. He found errors in the billing codes and successfully appealed the charity care denial. He handled everything, and a month later, my bill was gone.
The Legal Precedent That Can Win Your Charity Care Appeal
Citing a Case They Couldn’t Ignore
My appeal was based on the fact that the hospital was counting my retirement fund as a liquid asset. I was struggling to make them understand this was wrong. A quick search led me to a court case from a neighboring state where a judge had ruled that 401(k) funds could not be considered by a non-profit hospital when determining charity care eligibility. In my final appeal, I cited that specific case by name. While not binding, citing a legal precedent showed them I was serious and that my argument had legal merit. They reversed their decision.
How to Turn Their “Final Decision” Letter Into a Negotiation
“Final” Doesn’t Always Mean Final
The letter was scary. It said, “This is our final decision.” My heart sank. But I decided to test how “final” it really was. I called the number on the letter and said, “I have received your ‘final decision’ letter and I’m still in a position of extreme hardship. Is there any other possible level of review, or any other manager I can speak to before I file a formal complaint with the state?” The word “complaint” often unlocks a new door. The representative put me on hold, and came back with an offer for a “one-time reconsideration” with a senior director.
The Follow-Up Cadence That Shows You Won’t Give Up
The Politely Persistent Approach
After I submitted my appeal, I didn’t just wait by the phone. I created a follow-up schedule. Exactly one week after I mailed it, I called to confirm they received it. Then, I decided to call every 10 business days after that. I was always incredibly polite. I would just say, “Hi, my name is [Name], I’m just calling for a status update on my appeal, case number #12345.” This polite, predictable persistence showed them I wasn’t going away. It kept my file at the top of the pile and showed them I was serious about getting a resolution.
I Was Denied for Not Being a Resident—Here’s How I Proved I Was
Establishing My Place in the Community
I had just moved to a new city and was staying with my sister when I broke my arm. The hospital denied my charity care application because my driver’s license had my old address. To prove my new residency, I had to get creative. I sent them a package of proof: a letter from my sister confirming I lived with her, a copy of my new library card, a bank statement showing transactions at local grocery stores, and my voter registration card for the new address. This collection of documents created a clear picture of my new life in the community.
How to Argue That the Service Should Have Been “Emergency Care”
The “Prudent Layperson” Standard
My insurance denied a claim for an ER visit, saying it wasn’t a “true emergency.” The hospital then denied my charity care because I was “insured.” I appealed both by using the “prudent layperson” standard. I argued that a person with average medical knowledge would believe my symptoms (crushing chest pain, in my case) required immediate medical attention to avoid serious harm. It doesn’t matter what the final diagnosis was. What matters is whether a reasonable person would have thought it was an emergency. This argument is a key part of the ACA, and it won my appeal.
The Power of Citing the Affordable Care Act in Your Appeal
The Law Is on Your Side
When my non-profit hospital denied my appeal, I knew I needed to bring out the big guns. I wrote one final letter. In it, I specifically referenced their obligations under the Affordable Care Act, Section 501(r). I wrote, “Under the ACA’s requirements for non-profit hospitals, you must have a clear Financial Assistance Policy and you are prohibited from engaging in extraordinary collection actions while an application is pending.” Citing the specific federal law showed them I knew my rights and that their next move could have legal consequences. They quickly reconsidered.
I Won My Appeal and They Back-Paid Me for Bills I Already Paid
Getting My Money Back
It took four long months to win my charity care appeal. During that time, to avoid being sent to collections, I had been making small, $50 payments on the massive bill. When the approval letter finally arrived, it stated that my eligibility was back-dated to the date of my surgery. I called the billing office and said, “I’m so grateful for the approval. Since my eligibility was made retroactive, I’d like to request a refund for the $200 I paid while the appeal was being processed.” A few weeks later, a check for $200 arrived in the mail.