Berks County Office of Aging - A New Health Care Unit For PA

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A New Health Care Unit For PA

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A new Health Care Unit, a division of the Bureau Of Consumer Protection has been designed to assist Pennsylvania consumers in dealing with the complex and ever-changing health care service industry.

Fisher said “the Health Care Unit will investigate, mediate, and take legal action on behalf of consumers against insurers and providers who engage in deceptive and unfair practices. “The Health Care Unit, based in Harrisburg, will consist of two attorneys, three investigators, and one staff member.

Fisher said “the rapidly changing health care industry has created confusion among many Pennsylvania consumers over the access to and delivery of quality medical services. These changes have convinced fisher of the need for a Health Care Unit, which will focus exclusively on health-related consumer issues.”

“Consumers are entitled to health care without being deceived or treated unfairly.” Fisher said. “My Health Care Unit will offer consumers a place to go to get straight answers on health care coverage, services, and costs. These questions can be confusing to consumers especially for older Pennsylvanians who remember a simpler health system. That’s why I created the Health Care Unit.”

Fisher said the types of issues handled by his Health Care Unit will include:

Consumers who are in need of specific health care procedures, but are denied coverage by their health maintenance organization or insurance company.

Consumers whose insurance companies delay paying the bills for health care services, causing providers to turn over the consumers’ bills to a bill collection agency.

Consumers who are seeking new types of medical procedures, but cannot obtain approval for their insurers.

Consumers who discover that their benefits are reduced or eliminated soon after they join a health plan.

Consumers who discover that they have been charged for services that they have never received.

“Senior consumers need an advocate who can help them obtain the treatment they need and the service they deserve,” states Barbara Coffin, Executive Director, Berks County Office Of Aging. “The Health Care Unit will help consumers navigate the difficult and sometimes confusing health care system.”

The Health Care Unit will also participate in the ongoing efforts of Fisher’s Bureau Of Consumer Protection in probing fraudulent medical providers who prey upon susceptible consumers who are seeking treatment and cures for disease.

Fisher said his Health Care Unit will work closely with state agencies, including the state insurance department, health department, and Department Of Public Welfare, all of which have regulatory authority over insurers and providers. Fisher said there may be situations where a consumer’s complaint would be referred by his Health Care Unit to another state agency. Conversely, there may be situations where state agencies would refer complaints to the Health Care Unit.

“The Health Care Unit will compliment and work cooperatively with other state agencies that deal with health care-related issues,” Fisher said. “If we can’t help the consumer, we will help the consumer find that state agency that can.”

Consumers seeking more information on the Attorney General’s Health Care Unit are encouraged to call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-888-4877 or visit the Attorney General’s website at www.attorneygeneral.gov.

For more information about the Berks County Office of Aging please call (610) 478-6500 or e-mail us at aging@countyofberks.com or visit the Berks County Office of Aging, County Services Center, 633 Court Street, Reading, Pa 19601-4303.