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Veterans concerned about double billing medical charges

"Some may be paying and not realizing that they're being overcharged," said Retired Staff Sergeant Philip Kerzee.

COPPERAS COVE — Fort Hood area veterans said they are getting double billed for doctor visits through TRICARE insurance, which included visits to Baylor Scott and White for their dependents.

"As a retiree, we don't make a whole lot of money. Especially a single dad with 2 children, I make enough just to raise them, feed them, get them to school and all. I can't afford these big bills," Retired Staff Sergeant Philip Kerzee said.

Veterans Philip Kerzee and Jason Blake said they tried to get the issue fixed, but then they came to Channel 6 when they couldn't get answers.

Kerzee showed us an example from just one visit--a $30 bill for hospital services and another for professional services when there should be only one bill for $30.

Late Monday afternoon, Kerzee said he spoke with a TRICARE representative by phone who acknowledged the double billing issue and who realized there may be glitches in the billing system.

Kerzee said veterans should check their bill because they might be getting charged too much too.

"Some may just be paying and not realizing that they're being overcharged. Look at their bill, check it out, if you're getting charged a professional fee and a hospital fee, and they're asking for 2 co-payments for the same appointment, pick up the phone, call your Congressman, call your Senator," Kerzee said.

Humana Military, the contractor for TRICARE East did respond to the issue. Robert Bertrand said, "Humana Military is conducting research on this issue, and in order to protect privacy, our team will reach out directly to the beneficiaries involved for whatever guidance, resolution or clarification is needed".

We also contacted Baylor Scott and White Spokesman Deke Jones and he said:

"At Baylor Scott & White, we are working diligently to simplify the healthcare system and make the patient experience as good and as easy as it can possibly be. For this reason, we take care to notify patients of the cost of their care, taking into account their insurance benefits, in an effort to help our patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. We then work with the patients to determine which options best suit their needs. We will continue to do this with each and every patient who comes to our hospitals or visits our physicians."

Kerzee and Blake did contact local representatives asking for their help. The lawmakers said they need more veterans to come forward before they can address the issue. Channel 6 contacted the offices of Congressman Roger Williams and Senator John Cornyn. We are still waiting for a response from the representatives of the lawmakers.

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