Vancouver’s Providence Health Care Society (PHCS) has filed suits against two Australian women to recoup health-care costs totalling $168,460.
The first suit is against Bronwyn Phillips of Balaclava, in Australia’s state of Victoria.
A May 27 notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court said Philips was admitted to the St. Paul‘s Hospital emergency room May 15, 2019 with her father signing a rate agreement to cover all health-service fees.
She was subsequently transferred to a ward where she remained until May 29.
On July 9, 2019, PHCS delivered an invoice of $83,086 less the $3,675 paid by Phillips’ father for a total payable of $79,411.
The invoice was also mailed to Global Excel Management Inc., a company the claim said has identified itself as Phillips’ insurer.
On Sept. 30, 2019, Global Excel paid $20,529, a letter saying it was the proper amount due and payable.
However, the claim said, Phillips’ debt as of May 25 stood at $112,732.
Second case
The accumulated debt in the second case, against Ian Victor Pearson of Heidelberg in Australia’s state of Victoria, now sits at $55,728.
That claim, also filed May 27, asserts Pearson was admitted to emergency May 26, 2019, and then stayed in a ward until June 1, 2019.
PHCS delivered an invoice for $42,425 minus $1,040 Pearson had paid, for a total bill of $41,385.
The invoice was also mailed to Global Excel Management Inc.
On Nov. 6, 2019, Global Excel paid $12,580, a letter saying it was the proper amount due and payable.
But, said the claim, the balance owing is $55,728.
Both claims said interest continues to accumulate in both cases.