Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Business Services 

  1. When I receive my statement and it shows my last payment, why don’t the credits on the statement add up to my payment amount?

  2. When I send in a Medicare or insurance check made out to me for payment, why do I continually get calls from Spectrum asking what the date of service was and how much was paid on each line item?

  3. When I send in a personal payment, how do you know where to apply that payment?

  4. Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies?

  5. Where do I call if I have questions regarding a Medicare payment or denial, or if I just want to know the status of my claims?

  6. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

 


  1. When I receive my statement and it shows my last payment, why don’t the credits on the statement add up to my payment amount?

    When an item on an invoice has been paid in full, the payment/credit does not show on the statement. However, if there is still a balance on an item, the payment/credit will show on the statement.

  2. When I send in a Medicare or insurance check made out to me for payment, why do I continually get calls from Spectrum asking what the date of service was and how much was paid on each line item?

    There is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that comes with your insurance check.  It is extremely important that a copy of the EOB be sent with your check so we can apply the check to the correct invoice and bill any additional insurance you may have. (See “Glossary of Billing Terms” on this website for an explanation of the term EOB).

  3. When I send in a personal payment, how do you know where to apply that payment?

    Your payment is applied to the oldest open invoice first.  If you want it applied to a specific invoice, please specify the invoice number or date of service on the check or attach a note.

  4. Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies?

    Medicare pays 80% of their allowed amount for insulin and non-insulin dependant diabetics for glucose monitors, test strips, and lancets.  Medicare does not pay for insulin or syringes.

  5. Where do I call if I have questions regarding a Medicare payment or denial, or if I just want to know the status of my claims?

    Beneficiaries can call1-800-MEDICARE for information about Medicare.  This is an automated line, and will require you to enter your Medicare number and date of birth in order to access information.  You can speak to a customer service representative by pressing the appropriate number on the Medicare automated menu.

  6. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid

    • MEDICARE – The Medicare program in a Federal Health Insurance program for people age 65 or older and certain disabled people. Patients pay part of the costs through deductibles and co-pays.
    • MEDICAID – The Medicaid program is a medical assistance program for under income and disabled people of all ages.  Medical bills are paid from federal, state, and local tax funds. Patients have small copay for each item purchased and service rendered.

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