Woman wakes up to 65k medical bill because emergency helicopter ride for sudden cardiac arrest was not "pre-authorized"

[ck4829]

WASHINGTON — When Amanda Boley suffered cardiac arrest, she needed life-saving emergency transport to the nearest trauma center. Six weeks later, while still recovering, she received a $65,000 bill after her insurance company denied coverage.

"I woke up, I had IVs everywhere out my neck, my arms, I was intubated, my arms were restrained to the bed," Boley said. "And I remember looking and I knew immediately this is a hospital."

Six weeks later, still recovering from her ordeal, Boley received a $65,000 bill for her emergency helicopter transport. Her insurance company, Anthem, denied coverage stating Boley needed "pre-authorization" for the flight.

"That night I was dead and then I was unconscious," Boley said. "I don't know how I'm supposed to get pre-approval."

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/investigations/medical-billing-artificial-intelligence-anthem-insurance-public-interest-research-group-patricia-kelmar/65-69dd3af8-c4aa-4898-b757-0e173a8ca2e9