Letter to the Editor

I would like to inform the community, for those that might not know. The State of Mississippi prohibits Balance Billing Mississippi Code Ann. 83-9-5 (1) (i). It states if a provider accepts patient’s insurance for patient’s treatment, that is considered payment in full and the provider cannot bill the patient for more than the insurance payment except for deductibles or co-pays.

My experience back in March, I had an emergency situation and had to go to hospital by ambulance. Lifeguard billed my insurance, accepted payment and now trying to bill me for the balance. After several calls trying to explain to them the Mississippi Law they still insist I owe the bill. (Not going to happen.) I filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office. They can be reached at 601-359-4230. They will send you a form to complete and will start process. Don’t be a victim of balance billing.

Shelia Williams
Red Banks, MS