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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 am dealing with a Natera issue. They did not do the correct steps of contacting my health insurance company (United) and therefore United did not agree to pay them and that I was not to be billed due to Nateras error. United has been telling me not to pay Natera and my bill is now 1590. United has sent Natera multiple letters on my behalf saying I am not to be billed and there is no response from Natera.
Same is happening to me. Please add me to your class action lawsuit.
The same is happening to me! Please add me to your class action lawsuit.
Same thing happened to me. My OBGYN said if testing was not covered by insurance it would cost around $200(Dec. 2021). Testing was due to a major life threatening genetic complication in my baby. Got a bill almost a year later charging $249 with the 30 day courtesy cost(Nov. 2022). Next bill I received was $1590 a month later. I revived the Panorama Prenatal Screen. After a year of endless appointments, thousands of dollars and months in the NICU, getting an almost $1600 bill for a vile of blood…I’m furious! I also would like to be added to this class action case.
Hi there, I received a bill from Natera months and months after the genetic testing was ordered. I reached out to resolve my bill but the customer service is less than helpful. I recently lost my job due to the economy and need help paying this overcharged bill. I was also told a couple hundred for the genetic testing by my provider, which is far from the case. Please add me to the list for this class action lawsuit as well. Thank you!
I have the same issue as the comments above. Please add me to the class action suit.
Similar stories as everyone said, very ruse costumer service. They are not even able to verify if my insurance company in or out of network. Pls add me to your action list.
I have the same issue my doctor order for me the genetic test and i was told I can pay with my medical insurance but after i received two billing for genetic test from natera. the first one was $649 and the second one was 1,590. I call them and I give them my insurance information but they natera send me back a letter and saying that my insurance denied so I have to pay out of pocket. Please contact me with more information. I pay them monthly but they take out all the total payments that i own my from my bank account. I contact them and saying I want to cancel my payment and get a refund and I would like to pay with my medical insurance. Please reach out to me. Thank you
I received a bill for services now from 12/2021. Please add me
Hi, I was just billed for $6,500 + $500 (total $7,000) for NIPT test after my insurance paid $3,500. I didn’t get any estimated price from them, and I won’t take this test if I knew it costed me this much. Please reach out to me, I really need help.
I used Facebook comments from their page to get a real person to respond (use any email address you find). They refuse to file with insurance when then they know you know they are trying to scam. They have been sued by the federal gov for Medicaid fraud already.
I called Their billing team customer service. They don’t know what they are talking about at all. I have BCBS, one rep said it in in network, another one said out of network, but regardless, it will be $100-$200, if it exceeds $245, then you can pay just $245. This information is what they provided when they only ask which state I am in, they don’t care what kind of insurance I get at all. I asked if I go with insurance, how much bill it will be sent to insurance, they said there is no one in the company can give that details. Totally nonsense!