Some Maryland patients who paid out of pocket for outpatient facility fees at University of Maryland Medical System clinics may receive checks under a $2.25 million restitution agreement announced by the state attorney general. The eligible services were provided before July 1, 2021, and refunds are expected over the next six months. Patients do not have to guess from the size of a past hospital bill whether they qualify.
The agreement concerns fees charged by certain hospital clinics when a patient could have received the same clinic service at a non-hospital facility owned or operated by a UMMS affiliate without the facility fee. Maryland's Consumer Protection Division alleged patients were not adequately told they would be charged. UMMS denied that the notice was inadequate but agreed to pay $2,251,781.52 in restitution. This is a settlement, not a finding that every UMMS outpatient fee was unlawful.
The state says eligible patients should expect a refund check from UMMS during the next six months. Its announcement does not provide an individual refund amount, a claims form or a complete list of covered clinics. Do not pay someone to 'unlock' a check. Patients with questions can use the phone number in the attorney general's original announcement; verify it there rather than relying on an unsolicited call or message.
A facility fee is separate from what a clinician may charge for a visit. If a bill seems wrong, ask for an itemized bill and the facility's written explanation. Financialist's medical-debt guide covers reviewing bills and assistance before paying, but it cannot determine eligibility for this particular restitution program.