"CareCredit is a flexible payment program specifically designed for healthcare expenses... Not covered by insurance." It offeres no-interest financing and low minimum monthly payment options.
On 4/29/07, I filled out an on-line application for CareCredit. Within minutes, I received a confirmation letter indicating that my application had been approved. My account number; my approved credit limit ($2000.00); and the fact that I could begin using this service immediately were also included in the body of that letter.
On 5/01/07, I presented at my dentist's office and set up my treatment plan. The total cost of my care was going to cost $4,275.00. After insurance, I was left with a balance of $2,357.00. I gave the Office Manager the letter I received from CareCredit indicating that I had been approved for financing, and it was treated as a credit card purchase. The transaction was put through for the full amount of $2000.00 and it was authorized for $2000.00. I signed the receipt and the customer copy was given to me for my records. I paid the remaining balance of $357.00, selected my monthly payment for CareCredit ($68.00) and I began treatment immediately. Subsequent visits were set up for 5/4,5/8,5/10, and 5/17/07.
On 5/18/07, I went for my post-op visit. When I returned home, I had US Mail from GE Money Bank. This letter stated "Thank you for your application for a GE Money Bank Care Credit account. As indicated to you, we are unable to offer you credit on the original terms that you requested." I tried phoning the number on the letter (480-707-4039), but all I got was a recording that said "If you would like a specific reason as to why your CareCredit request was declined, please leave the last 4 digits of your social security number and someone will get back to you." There were no other options (i.E., speak to a customer service representative), so I just hung up.
On 5/19/07, I received my first billing statement from CareCredit. My payment due date is 6/7/07 and my minimum payment is $68.00 (as requested). However, my credit limit on the statement indicates $100.00 and I was charged a $30.00 fee for being over my limit.
I went on-line to register for on-line payments. After entering my account number, I received a message that said "Your account information is not available on-line. Please call 877-295-2080." I phoned this number and spoke to a representative by the name of Jessica. She informed me that she was not able to discuss my account with me because it had been blocked, and she told me I had to call 800-268-9131. I tried this number for 2 days - all I got was a recording telling me to hold for the next available customer service representative. No one ever answered.
On 5/21/07 I finally got through to them. I don't know if the woman said her name was Tamala or Pamela, and when I asked her to please repeat her name, she refused. She asked how she could help me. I told to her that I tried to go on-line to make my payment and that I wanted to know why the account was blocked. I gave her my account number and when she came back to the phone, she told me that she couldn't talk with me and that no one was going to discuss this with me. The number I had been referred to is the Fraud Unit.
I'm really confused. I apply for credit and it's approved for $2000.00. I have the documentation that shows this amount. I present this document to the office; they run it through and it's authorized for the full amount. I have the customer copy that shows the authorization number. All I'm trying to do is pay my bill - my account is blocked and no one will even talk to me. What kind of company is this and what kind of mess have I gotten myself into???
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