Timely filing laws mean most offices have a year from the date of service to bill insurance and receive payment. (VA hospitals have longer) That’s why the provider is dicking you around and lying about having sent it.

Your insurance company also won’t do anything (editing, I meant won’t pay them) because legally the office can’t collect a debt over a year old.

But you do have insurance and if that provider accepts your insurance, they are legally obligated to bill them before billing you. They’re contracted into a set rate by the insurance company.

I would call your insurance company and ask the rep to stay on the line and conference in the provider to discuss this. I’ve had to do it before and the insurance reps are usually good at getting to the bottom of it.

All the best!