AG: Mechanicsburg chiropractor misled patients about insurance coverage

Naomi Creason, The Sentinel, Carlisle, Pa.The Sentinel

Oct. 7—Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Monday that her office recently filed a lawsuit accusing a Mechanicsburg-based chiropractor of misleading patients into thinking their care would be covered by their insurance, leading to out-of-pocket payments and possible debt collection threats.

Jason Michael Fullmer of Central PA Spinal Health Chiropractic LLC is accused of violating the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act.

"This chiropractor did a disservice to patients seeking care by either intentionally misleading them about insurance coverage or neglecting to send their claims to their insurance providers," Henry said. "Patients were left with substantial invoices and threatened with collection actions if they did not pay up."

Henry said the lawsuit is a result of an investigation into several consumer complaints. The complaints allege that Fullmer told patients that insurance would cover the services, but he either neglected to file claims with the insurer or refused to submit necessary documents required by the insurer to offer payment.

According to the lawsuit, even though Fullmer did not submit claims, he still attempted to collect large payments directly from his patients. He also suggested consumers file complaints with the Office of the Attorney General, but against the insurance companies, allegedly misleading consumers into believing the issue was with the insurers, according to Henry.

Residents can file complaints with the Attorney General's Healthcare Section at www.attorneygeneral.gov.

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