NewWorldMan, HouseHunter,Leafy and Brammy, thank you all. Thank you so very much! A few notes since my post:
HouseHunter, you were exactly right! There are statutes in place, in every state, that clearly state a Medicaid recipient or his/her representative (such as a parent) is not to be billed for covered services, nor are collections to be imposed upon them. In Florida it's Title XXX , Chapter 409, Section 907, paragraph 3, subsection (j) with a pertinent clause in Section 905 (6). I hope I cited it correctly enough. It's been a long time since I've had to do that! You're the best!
NewWorldMan and Brammy, the battle isn't over yet! And who knows, I might just pay a visit to the State Attorney's office or contact the media, before this is all over, so that the same doesn't happen to someone else. I most certainly wouldn't want it to!
As it is, I did contact the hospital, and hold them blameless as they contracted with an outside source to perform their radiological services in their out patient department. This service provider (and can I name, names?) neglected to bill Medicaid (though they have performed the same service on my son, many times, and had his information). The hospital submitted their bill and was promptly paid. The OC and CA maintain it's too late to bill, and claim they can't pull this out of collections.
I have the feeling the collection agency is internal. So far they have refused to budge, and in spite of the fact that I paid the outstanding charge -- if only because my son did receive the service -- so indeed I have disputed it with Equifax, citing the law in my fax to them, as well as having faxed several medical documents proving that my son's medical procedures have always been covered by Medicaid. My question now is, can the CRAs remove this from my credit at their own choosing, or do they have to have the approval of the OC or CA? I might also add that in my last phone conversation with the CA I very kindly cited the law, so let's see if that changes their minds. Thank you both, so much, too!
Please, no one, give me heck for paying. As I said, my son received the services, and it was just the right thing to do. Kinda like paying a charge off regardless of the fact that doing so does little good. You know? Besides, I got heck enough from a wonderful woman at Medicaid Administration, who said to me, "You did what!"
And Leafy, what can I say to you? You're obviously a fighter and a survivor, and I commend you for that. You're in the right place -- this forum -- for whatever support you might need in the present and the future, dealing with unjust billing and collections practices. I don't know what I would do had I not found the forum and everyone it. I sure wouldn't be learning as much as I am, and becoming better equipped to protect and defend. I am living proof that indeed an old dog can learn new tricks! I wish you the very best, anyway, and hope you live a long, healthy and happy life from here on out.
Thank you, again, all. I'm so glad I found you!