Attorney General James’ Health Care Helpline Recovers More Than $2 Million in Restitution and Savings for Consumers
Attorney General Letitia James today released a report detailing the work of the Office of the Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau’s Helpline, a free service offered by the office that handled almost 2,000 consumer complaints during the past year – saving or returning more than $2.3 million in health care expenses to consumers. The service has also helped countless New Yorkers access medically necessary care or prescription medication previously denied to them.
“Health care is a basic right that all New Yorkers should have access to,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “This hotline has been an invaluable tool in helping us protect New Yorkers and ensure that they get the care they deserve and are not taken advantage of. If you believe you are being improperly billed or denied health care benefits, I urge you to reach out to our office for support.”
The Health Care Bureau’s 2018 Annual Report, Real Solutions for Real New Yorkers, details the work of Helpline advocates to resolve consumer complaints and discusses some of the major cases handled by the bureau.
The Attorney General’s toll-free HCB Helpline – 800-428-9071 – is available for New Yorkers to report and resolve health care complaints and concerns ranging from simple payment processing errors to complex deceptive business practices. Consumers can also use the Attorney General’s online complaint form to lodge a complaint.
During 2018, Helpline staff handled 1,961 consumer complaints and provided another 2,389 consumers with information or referred them to an appropriate agency for assistance. These consumer complaints include issues such as incorrect medical billing, wrongful health plan rejection, improper processing of health insurance claims, and wrongful termination of health insurance.
