In 2005, I was on terminal leave following active duty. During that time, I was covered under Tricare insurance, which is medical insurance for the military memebers. I sought medical attention and had to get an x-ray of my arm. I provided my Tricare insurance card at the time being seen. X-ray came back negative and all was fine.
Since 2005, I have moved 3 times. In 2011, I finally purchased my home through the VA. During processing, the VA requires that ALL bills such as medical bills to be paid before going forward. The VA rep advised me that I had a $683 medical bill outstanding from a hospital visit in 2005. I was in COLLECTIONS. I made contact with that hospital and long story short, I had to pay that bill. At that time, I was paying for Equifax credit reporting. I had NO negatives or collections on that credit report. The other 2 reporting reports, it was there. I had no knowledge that I was in collections. Thinking I will just contact Tricare and send them the bill and receipt for reimbursement. Simple? NO! I was told this was more than 5 years ago and they can not help me. BULLSHIT! I was a soldier, on terminal leave from active duty, I WAS COVERED and shouldn't be left with a bill!
After hundreds of phone calls, I was still being shafted. I contacted Congressman John Carney about this issue. I met with a rep from his office and submitted all my documents about that bill. Later, I was contacted by by someone from the congressman's office stating that the one person helping me with my issue has left and he would be handling my case. I haven't heard back. So, I contacted the congressman again. A new person is dealing with my issue.
I just received a call from the rep stating emails are being sent back and forth. Same thing keeps popping up, this happened more than 7 years ago, looks like nothing can be done. I am waiting for Tricare to respond to see if my case can be resolved bla bla bla. There shouldn't be ANY debate over this. I WAS COVERED at the time being seen by that hospital.
Either the hospital didn't submit that bill to Tricare in 2005 or Tricare just didn't pay it. No one knows that mystery.
I am left with the bill and the stress. This is the thanks I received for serving my country!
The military is nothing but a headache!
