Wednesday, November 12, 2008

HEROES: Sam Juniper and Mark Underwood

After 5 years, W.Va. man wins court fight with health insurer over $40 medical bill
By Associated Press
November 12, 2008

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) _ A $40 medical bill might seem small but a West Virginia man says his five-year battle over paying it was a matter of principle.

Sam Juniper says his health benefits weren't supposed to change after he retired in 2000 from M&G Polymers. But he received a $40 bill in 2002 after the company's new provider, Aetna Insurance, refused to cover the cost of some blood work.

He challenged that in Mason County court in 2003 and won every decision all the way to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va. The appeals court ruled in his favor on Oct. 10.

Lawyer Mark Underwood handled Juniper's case for free and says small bills like this add up over time. Juniper says he is still waiting for his $40 refund check, which he plans to frame and hang on his wall.

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Do you believe the attorney did not get paid? I bet he collects more than $40 from someone.