How long do health insurance companies have to pay?

I see a number of doctors out-of-network and submit my claims to my insurance company to get reimbursed a percentage of my cost. My claims were logged into my health insurance provider's website months ago that are still "In Progress."


My doctor told me that the law may be that the health insurance company needs to pay interest if they don't pay me within 30 business days; however, I can't find much on this on the internet. Anyone have an ideas?

Update---I found a Prompt Pay law that the insurance company must pay the provider within 30 or 45 days, nothing about the customer....will continue looking!

Message edited 6/7/2012 9:44:51 PM.

Re: How long do health insurance companies have to pay?

Check with your HR department, it may be different for each plan but under our Cigna plan we have it in writing that they have up to 8 weeks to reimburse a patient for out of network expenses. There are things that can hold it up, if they're waiting for info from a provider etc... but most times Insurance companies just like to take their sweet time. And don't hesitate to ask someone from HR to get involved. I have called Insurance companies and our brokers on numerous occasions for our employees when things aren't moving along or their waiting for money. It can't hurt.

Re: How long do health insurance companies have to pay?

Thanks G! I should have just asked you directly--you are my HR guru.