How long after a medical service is received can the hospital request that the patient pay for the amount uncovered by insurance

I am not licensed in NY, but can tell you that you should look to a couple of places for the answer to your question. First, the answer to your question is the statutory limitation period for a contract because you contracted for the medical services. In addition, the amount you owe may be dictated by the agreement between your health insurance and the hospital provider. Check with a local lawyer, but generally if a provider contracts for services with a health insurer that provider agrees to a reduced schedule for payment. You may owe some co-pays for the services, but some amount may need to be adusted off your balance. The type of plan you have is also a factor. For example HMOs are quite different and involve much larger co-pays than point of service plans. You may want to call your health insurer and ask them what they believe that you owe.

Good luck.

Betsey Herd
Tampa, Florida