Latest news with #InYourCorner
CBS News
30-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
CBS Philadelphia helps recover refund after medical billing error
How to avoid a medical bill error | In Your Corner How to avoid a medical bill error | In Your Corner How to avoid a medical bill error | In Your Corner Opening up a medical bill with a bigger balance than you expected can be a stressful surprise. It could also be a mistake. Edmund Bulmash contacted In Your Corner for help after he received a big bill for a procedure he'd thought was covered by his insurance. The 74-year-old Camden County, New Jersey, man went in for a tooth extraction in February, a procedure his primary care dentist doesn't provide. So Bulmash said he found an in-network oral surgeon and scheduled the surgery. But afterward, he said he was shocked to be hit with a $930 bill, significantly higher than what he expected. "It's a lot of money," he said. "I'm a retiree on a fixed income." Bulmash reluctantly paid it. "It was definitely in the network; otherwise, I wouldn't have used them," he said. "So I thought it would have some portion of it compensated." CBS News Philadelphia reached out to Bulmash's insurance provider, Horizon Blue, which agreed to look into his case. A few weeks later, Bulmash said he received a check in the mail for a partial refund of $340, along with an explanation stating he should've only been billed $590. Turns out, Bulmash was incorrectly charged the provider's out-of-network rate, but ultimately still owed out-of-pocket because his particular dental plan only covers primary care services. "I'm happy," Bulmash said. "I mean, it's not $930, but I'm happy." In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Horizon Blue said Bulmash's case, "is a reminder that people can contact their insurance plan before getting care if they have any questions, want to discuss options, or understand ways they can lower their out-of-pocket costs." The statement went on to read, "While we were able to get Mr. Bulmash a refund of monies he was owed by the dentist he chose for his care, we always prefer to help members understand their benefits and get the care they need at the price they expect." Kevin Brasler, executive editor with the Delaware Valley Consumers' Checkbook, said when you get a surprise bill, don't immediately pay it. "As a consumer advocate, this is kind of strange to say," he said. "But paying for healthcare itself is just enormously complicated." Brasler says it's important to do your homework to determine if it might be an error, or if your insurer just didn't pay the claim yet, or if the provider billed incorrectly. "So start by calling the provider and say, 'I got this bill can you explain it to me? Why am I responsible for this amount of money versus what I expected?" he said. Ultimately, if you are billed correctly but still owe a large balance, Brasler said you have other options to consider: You might qualify for a financial assistance program. Many hospitals offer assistance in various ways -- for example, price discounts, lowered or eliminated copays and deductibles. You can request a payment plan. Providers typically allow you to pay bills over time, without interest. You may even be able to negotiate a lower price. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Protect your benefits: New feature lets you lock EBT card to prevent fraud
"Lock your card" feature can prevent EBT card fraud | In Your Corner "Lock your card" feature can prevent EBT card fraud | In Your Corner "Lock your card" feature can prevent EBT card fraud | In Your Corner Millions of people who receive public benefits in the Philadelphia area now have a way to protect those benefits from being stolen. In Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or other public benefits can now lock their cards when they are not in use to protect against skimming. "Pure evil" Brandon Button realized his May food stamp benefits had been stolen when he went to get a bagel for breakfast at a convenience store. The New Castle County, Delaware, man said he had just received his monthly $218 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits overnight. But that morning, his EBT card now showed a balance of just $1.28. "It's sad," he said, showing us the fridge he shares with his two roommates. The space usually reserved for his food was nearly empty. "They're taking food stamps from people who desperately need these benefits," Button said. "Now because someone's pure evil, I'm without food." EBT cards vulnerable to skimming Increasingly, thieves are hacking into food stamp accounts and robbing people of funds they need to feed themselves and their families. Button contacted In Your Corner for help getting his money back, but the federal law that gave victims a way to get reimbursed for their stolen SNAP benefits expired in December 2024. With replacement funds no longer available, recipients like Button have little choice but to figure out how to get by until next month's benefits arrive. "So I have to make a choice," Button said. "My phone bill and things are due, but I want to get something to eat." Advocates say EBT cards are particularly vulnerable to fraud. The cards use outdated magnetic strip technology with a PIN rather than the more secure chip cards, making them easy targets for card skimmers. The device steals a person's card information and PIN number when they swipe. CBS News Philadelphia previously uncovered that states have been slow with a fix because a transition to chip cards would cost millions. Switching to chip cards in Pennsylvania could cost as much as $7 million, leaders have previously estimated. New Jersey has proposed setting aside $3.2 million for the transition to chip cards. Lawmakers will vote on the state budget in June. In the meantime, states are offering an alternative to help recipients protect their benefits. New EBT card lock feature Earlier this month, Pennsylvania announced a new security feature that allows EBT recipients to lock their cards through the Connect EBT app or website when not in use. Users can choose to lock their card everywhere or just outside of their state. The card can also be set to automatically relock 30, 60 or 90 minutes after unlocking. New Jersey enabled the feature in April. Delaware Health and Social Services leaders say the lock feature has been available in that state since 2023. Button said he wishes he'd realized sooner he could lock his card. "I'd heard of people locking their cards but I never knew we were able to lock ours," he said. "From here on out it will stay locked." Delaware Health and Social Services leaders say year-to-date the department has received 1,135 reports of stolen benefits, totaling more than $470,000. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
School crosswalk no longer unguarded after KFOR takes action
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A local elementary school will once again have a crossing guard at a busy four-way street after News 4's In Your Corner team stepped in. Last week, we told you about concerns from parents whose kids attend Hillcrest Elementary. Elijah Zarnay contacted News 4, worried about the safety of students who walk to and from her child's school. She said the crossing guard who used to manage the area was no longer there, and kids were walking across the busy street alone. Parents express concern over no crossing guard Before contacting News 4, Zarnay took matters into her own hands to help with the situation. 'I don't have a safety vest, all I have is a metal scooter to hold and some green hair,' said Zarnay. 'That usually gets the attention, and they stop for me, but they are not stopping for these families.' Families from Hillcrest Elementary make their way across a busy four lane road at SW 63rd Street and May Avenue every day for school. Parents tried to get answers from the school, but couldn't. That is why they called News 4 for help. Since our story aired last week, they say a crossing guard has returned. News 4 was told that a new guard has been hired and is currently being trained, but it could take several weeks until they begin. In the meantime, staff members will help guide the students across the busy street. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Parents express concern over no crossing guard,In Your Corner gets results
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma mother took the initiative after a local elementary school had been without a crossing guard for months at a busy four-way street. News 4's In Your Corner team got results for Elijah Zarnay in just a matter of hours. Zarnay contacted News 4, worried about the safety of students who walk to and from her child's school. She said the crossing guard is no longer there, and kids were walking across a very busy street alone. 'I'm so happy': Local attorney reunites couples with wedding footage after silence from videographer Before reaching out to News 4, she had been taking matters into her own hands to help. 'I don't have a safety vest, all I have is a metal scooter to hold and some green hair,' said Zarnay. 'That usually gets the attention, and they stop for me, but they are not stopping for these families.' The crosswalk at SW 63rd Street and May Avenue in Oklahoma City is used by many students and families going to and from Hillcrest Elementary School. Zarnay said there used to be a crossing guard there to help. 'People saw the safety vests and the stop sign, and they knew it was time to slow down,' Zarnay said. All of that changed months ago. 'I haven't seen her since January, and she has not been replaced,' said Zarnay. Seeing this worried Zarnay, so she took matters into her own hands, becoming a crossing guard of sorts. 'I see 5-6 year-old's crossing, sometimes middle schoolers walking their smaller siblings to school,' Zarnay said. 'I was having a girl cross the other day, and there was a car on this first lane that did not see us, did not stop. She came within an inch of being hit by this car.' Zarnay said she wasn't getting anywhere after reaching out to the school and police, so she contacted News 4. 'I called the school the next day, I spoke with the principal,' Zarnay said. I spoke with the Department of Transportation. I called the police. I called the motorcycle police. They said someone will call me, but no one ever calls.' We began reaching out Tuesday afternoon, and when it came time for school to let out a few hours later, there was a crossing guard ready to help. 'First time I've seen one since January, I am thrilled,' Zarnay said. It turns out, it's a joint effort between Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) and police to provide a crossing guard. The police department and the school district work together jointly to provide crossing guards. The police department does the hiring process and pays for half of the salary of the crossing guards, while the district pays for the other half. We are always looking to hire more crossing guards, but the numbers are low right now. OKCPD OKCPS tells News 4 that they notify police when they need a crossing guard, but are aware of the shortage. We were not told if Hillcrest ever requested another crossing guard. After seeing one there on Tuesday, Zarnay and many other parents called it a relief and said it is all thanks to News 4. 'I contacted just about everyone, and no one got back to me except for you guys,' Zarnay said. 'I'm very thankful to Oklahoma News 4 for that. I don't think anything would have gotten done if you guys hadn't come here today.' Anyone who has extra time on their hands, OKCPS and OKCPD ask that you apply to become a crossing guard to help address the shortage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
