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The cell-free DNA testing company Natera may misleadingly promise low test costs to consumers, only to turn around and charge much higher prices afterwards.
Fertility clinics, cancer centers, and other healthcare providers use Natera testing to assess health factors. Results from these tests inform doctors if patients are at risk for cancers, cannot have children easily, or carry certain genetic markers. Unfortunately, these tests may carry unexpected costs for consumers.
Over the past few years, numerous patients took to online forums such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to complain about surprise medical billing from Natera. Typically, surprise medical bills occur because insurance providers classify a doctor or specialist as “out of network” despite working at an in-network location. However, consumers claim that Natera surprise billing stems from misleading pricing representations by the company.
One BBB review from November 2020 claims that Natera promised carrier and genetic testing would cost between $150 to $200 if the consumer’s insurance refused to cover it. The review notes that on Natera’s website testing prices range from $99 to $149. Instead of these reasonable costs, Natera allegedly charged the reviewer’s insurance nearly $15,000 for a blood test.
According to the reviewer, their experience resulted from “borderline illegal billing practices.” Allegedly, these practices support a scheme which uses “exorbitant” invoices to convince patients to pay a few hundred dollars out of pocket to settle the bill.
Unfortunately, this reviewer’s experience is not unique, as evidenced by the many BBB reviews detailing the same issue.
In late July 2020, another consumer left a similar review on Natera’s BBB profile regarding their and their spouse’s experiences with the company’s testing. The couple allegedly had genetic testing done through their fertility clinic and claim they were told the tests would cost only $200 each in out-of-pocket costs.
According to the review, the couple’s insurers each received bills for over $14,000 — far above the $200 estimated costs. As a result of the exorbitant invoices, the couple allegedly faces bills of up to $7,000 from their insurance companies.
Consumers have also left negative Natera reviews on websites such as Yelp. In March, one reviewer claimed that they received two “fraudulent bills” from Natera. Instead of costing $100, the reviewer allegedly received a bill for $1,590, or $249 if paid within 30 days. Later on, Natera tried to double this bill after the blood had to be redrawn, according to the reviewer. Although this issue was later resolved, the reviewer says her experience was “disappointing to say the least” and that they “wouldn’t recommend [Natera] to anyone.”
Congress banned surprise medical bills as part of its $900 billion stimulus package passed in December 2020, meant to protect patients who are forced to use out-of-network providers.
Filing a Natera Lawsuit
If your doctor ordered Natera testing for you which resulted in unexpected costs, you may be able to take action. Misleading promises about test prices could translate to legal liability. As a result, Natera could be held accountable for thousands of dollars in unexpected medical bills.
Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.
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36 thoughts onNatera May Overcharge For Panorama and Other Genetic Tests, Customers Claim
I was informed by provider’s office that this would cost $249 out of pocket. Natera has charged me with an $8,000 bill. From my insurance claim, it was deemed that this ‘blood testing procedure’ was not accepted by the medical community’. With a baby on the way, and not being a millionaire, this is not affordable for me and my family, and I’m in complete shock. Please reach out to me with further information as how to join this class action. Please & Thank you!
Please add me to the list as well. My insurance company was billed $8000 for my NIPT. They paid $3,159 and my bill was “adjusted” by $4,490. The total out of pocket I was left with was $351 which isn’t a lot compared to other horror stories I’ve heard, however, I was not expecting any amount to have to be paid out of pocket since the test was covered by my insurance. I called to inquire about the bill after reading similar stories and was basically told I could barter for a cheaper bill. The operator would throw out a random dollar amount and after I would say it wasn’t low enough she would put me on hold and presumably pretend to speak to someone and ask if she could give me a lower price to settle my bill. Out of fear they would send the bill to collections like I had read from others’ experiences, I settled on an amount of $200. This was the most bizarre phone call I’ve ever had in terms of a medical bill and the company seems completely unethical.
Please contact me ASAP regarding Natera’s fraudulent billing practices. I was also severely wronged and am in serious debt.
Natera billed my insurance plan for more testing than my Doctor ordered. I had to have a redraw and they re-billed for $14,000. My husband and I both lost our jobs during the pandemic and Natera has been calling me harassing me to pay with my credit card over the phone $1,560 or else I’ll be sent to collections. The person calling barely speaks English and the worst part is my doctors office and the Natera Representative both told me my genetic testing would be free. Now we’re fearful of going into deep debt while trying to survive as a family. I want every single patient to be aware this company is a FRAUD!
They are hitting me with a 8,000 bill and I was told as well that the out of pocket costs would be $249
I was also also scammed by this and I think we should ALSO hold our doctors responsible for misleading us. I just checked my insurance and a claim went through for $3900, yet I have Anthem Blue Cross and they are listed as a provider on their website. My insurance only paid $500.
Hi Laura
My wife is also in similar situation and the Natera filed to insurance (Anthem BCBS) with 3900$. The insurance only paid 500$ and the rest is showed as non covered amount. Will Natera sent any bill for the non covered amount 3400$
I just received a bill for $8,000 which my provider told me would only cost $250-$300 out of pocket. Natera billed my insurance $16,000. Please contact me with more information about how to join the class action lawsuit.
Ive had the same issue. Please contact me as well.
Yes, I was also told it will be max $200-$300 out-of-pocket but now I see a bill of $17,000 in total for genetic and NIPT combined.
Please add me as well in your list.
We just received message from Insurance that it is not covered and Bill is 10,500$. I did not receive a bill directly yet. Should I wait till I receive the bill? Please add me too
Hi,
I saw the same bill from my insurance claim. I have not received the bill from Natera yet. Did you get any response?