Check that Bill Very Carefully
Mistakes Do Happen
Let me ask you a question. When you receive a bill in the mail do you just pay it with no questions asked? I admit that at one time I was not as careful but now I am a hawk about it.
When looking at a recent bill I noticed a balance of $41.37. I was puzzled as to where that figure came from. Knowing that I would probably be on the phone for an extended period of time, I got my pen and writing pad ready to jot down names, notes and conversation points.
Surprisingly I didn't have to wait too long to get a live representative from their customer service department. That in itself is a refreshing treat. After retrieving my record she mentioned that my bill was sent to the wrong office for proper payment. The bill in question was in reference to lab results from medical tests taken that were covered by my insurance.
The representative re-submitted my claim and the proper corrections were made. Happily, I ended up owing nothing at all. A zero balance sounded real good to me.
Thinking back on this case I thought how often these "mistakes" happen to so many consumers. While my bill was relatively small I didn't want to unnecessarily pay for something that I was not supposed to have to pay for. Can you imagine how much money is accrued by companies if these "mistakes" are common fare?
I realize that mistakes do happen because of human error. And because of this it's so important to check your bills very carefully. Don't forget those hidden fees as it relates to your credit card charges too. Who knows you might just save a little money too!
SOURCE:
Personal experience
Published by Lee Hansen
I am a woman who enjoys the simple things in life. My parents raised 10 children. I have an Associate Degree in Medical Office Assisting as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Education. View profile
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20 Comments
Post a CommentExcellent article:) I have noticed a few charges too and sometimes they take them right off - Sometimes Lol
always good advice, although we all know computers NEVER make mistakes:)
I have come to the point that I check the figures. You are right. They can make mistakes. Computers make mistakes too. I have even questioned penny differences on bank statements, because those pennies could add up to thousand of dollars on several people's accounts.
Good article with good points nice job on this Laura Everly
With medical bills, I see if the insurance payment has been made first. Great advice!
I'm good with checking the bills that come in the mail. However, I've been victim to being overcharged at the store. For instance, I was charged for salmon rather than tilapia and salmon is much more expensive. Good tips. =)
Great advice, you also have to watch your reciepts at the store!!
Outstanding advice, thanks!
Don't forget to watch your cashier ring up items in the store either. I've had them overcharge me many times. Once, the cashier gave me too much money. I tried to tell her but she got very terse with me and said she didn't make a mistake. She gave me back the cost of the items (Under $20.) and not the change..less than $5.) After two attempts and her insults, I feel badly but I finally left the store with their money in my pocket.
A word to the wise~I consistently check all of my bills for unwarranted charges~It pays to be diligent in this manner~