Source: Zamosky, May, 2013. Reprinted with no further comments.
Have you created a home office space in your unique household? Just find a consistent place to store office supplies (pens, stapler, staples, scissors, postage stamps, writing paper, files that you can store in a cardboard box or filing cabinet), and important papers.
- Know the Process - Insurers are required to provide information about the appeals process, so read any extra papers included in the letter of denial that you received. Keep all papers mailed to you. If you don't have such a document, search for the information on your insurer's website or call the company to request the form be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to you. Note the day and time that you either called, chatted, e-mailed, or faxed.
- Make Your Case in a Letter - Include all the usual things 1.)Your policy number, 2.)Date service was rendered, 3.)Location of the service that's in dispute, and 4) the provider (doctor or health care office or hospital). Cite the portion of your policy that discusses the issue at stake. Attach copies of those Explanation of benefits (EOBs), bills, and medical records. Never send originals!!! Never write or jot down notes on an original document! Cite what the policy says it will cover.
- Gather Your Evidence - Explanation of benefits (EOBs), bills, medical records--all of it helps to make a case. "Put everything together in one place--such as a home office space area," says Sherlene Stevens, and make copies to send along with your appeal letter.
- Have a Doctor Vouch for You - A letter from a physician explaining why you received the care you did is essential. Ask for an operative report. This report provides an explanation of the services performed. "If there were issues during the procedure, if the procedure needed to happen in a certain period of time, or if they needed to do additional procedures once they'd begun, that information will all be on your report.' This can increase how much an insurer will pay."
There are places that will complete your taxes for a free or reduced rate. Contact your local library or Goodwill. Or
The Internal Revenue Service is offering free tax software to all taxpayers whose 2013 income was $58,000 or less.
The software is available at http://www.irs.gov/freefile
Others can still use the free online forms option at no cost.
Tax filing begins on Jan. 31, but the companies that are providing the Free File tax-preparation products will hold (or save your information) any tax returns filed before Jan. 31 until the IRS begins accepting them.
Nationwide, nearly 40 million taxpayers have used Free File since it debuted in 2003. It is estimated that the software has saved taxpayers $1.2 billion.
Source: www.irs.gov (2014)