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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    16

    Default Collection of a Tricare Debt

    My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Nevada

    Hello!

    We were checking my wife’s credit report the other day, and came across a collection for a medical visit almost 6 years ago. I did some checking around here’s what seems to have happened:
    I was active duty military at the time, covered under Tricare and my wife was a dependent. We went in for a medical appointment on August 3rd, and were referred to a civilian clinic off base for the procedure. They couldn’t get us in until August 14th. My date of separation from the military, and termination of benefits was August 10th. This was in 2007.
    Now since it’s been so long, the details are a little hazy, but I could have sworn I asked someone if it would still be covered, and they said since there was a referral in place, it would be ok, so we went ahead with the procedure. That was the last we heard about it until a couple weeks ago, when it popped up on our credit report as an overdue, unpaid debt.
    I’ve tried working with Tricare, but they are insistent that benefits are cut on the date of separation regardless of anything that may be pending. I also have a few bucks left over in my flexible spending account I was thinking I might be able to use, but they said they only pay for procedures in the same year.
    So, is it even legal to attempt to collect a debt that old (6 years)? Is there any recourse or action I can take since I never got any bills or notices? I simply don’t have $500 just laying around these days. Thanks for any help!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: 6 Year Old Tricare Debt

    This is between you and the doctor. Tricare has nothing to do with it.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Collection of a Tricare Debt

    Your debt is owed to the provider. If you were not insured at the time of the procedure, you're not going to get the bill paid by Tricare.

    Is somebody actually trying to collect the debt, or is the sole concern that it appears on your wife's credit report?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    16

    Default Re: Collection of a Tricare Debt

    It seems the debt was sold to a collector, who is now trying to collect it.

    I did a little more digging around, and learned that there is a 6 year statue of limitations on debt collection in Nevada, which would be next month. How exactly does that work? If I can stall for another month, am I off the hook? Its already on the credit report, so the damage has been done (according to the collector). Is there any reason I should attempt to pay it at this point?

    Please note, I do understand the moral issues involved- If I am truly responsible for a debt I am happy to pay it. However I don't like people messing with my credit without so much as a courtesy notice or bill. That's why I'm opposed to paying this.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Collection of a Tricare Debt

    Quote Quoting shane1234
    View Post
    It seems the debt was sold to a collector, who is now trying to collect it.
    Either they're actively trying to collect the debt or you've observed an entry on the credit report despite there being no overt collection effort.
    Quote Quoting shane1234
    I did a little more digging around, and learned that there is a 6 year statue of limitations on debt collection in Nevada, which would be next month.
    Once the statute of limitations runs, the debt cannot be enforced through a court. A debt would normally drop off of a credit report seven years after it becomes delinquent.

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