We got new health insurance. When I got an eye exam, a procedure was performed that was not covered by the insurance. Please pay $50. I looked up an old address and sent the payment. Today, I got a more strident bill, not super strident but more so than the last one.
We have banked with the "same" bank for 50 years. In that time, the hospital when I got my eye exam has changed names and financial connections and so has the bank. I looked at the old address I had used and it didn't sound right for now. The bill that came today included a pre-addressed mailing envelope and the address on it was not the one where I had sent my money. It was not a local address.
I used the internet more carefully and found a billing information page that resembled my bill more than it had last time I looked. Please enter your billing code here. I did and clicked. As far as I could tell, totally nothing happened. Odd. Did it again and got the same nothing.
It's an old technology but sometimes the phone works well. I called the local hospital, listened to how they were trying to deal with emergencies and what the tape advised me to do if I think I have the Covid-19 virus. Then, a soothing female voice could be heard. Seemed like a live human being, which was nice. Told her my tale. She would connect me to a person who could help.
All agents are busy helping other customers. The department will call me back if I will leave my phone number. I picked up both bills, my checkbook and a facemask. Drove 6 miles to the hospital. Parked. Entered. Please answer a few questions: do you have a newly acquired cough? Got lasered in the forehead and given a sticker for my shirt: "Visitor".
I explained that I wanted to pay a bill. Security guard overheard and said there is no one in billing. I should pay online. A nice lady said she thought she could help and walked me down some hallways to a centrally located receptionist. Receptionist explained that there is a lady that handles bills. She is in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Today is Friday. The receptionist did take my check and now I have a receipt! Stay tuned for more exciting financial drama.
