I had surgery back in 2005. I didn't have insurance, so I applied for COBRA. When I asked when the policy would be active, the person taking my information told me she would backdate it to the beginning of THAT day. So, I went to my dr that day and he told me that I needed an ultrasound. The next day, after the ultrasound, I was told I needed to have surgery. A week later, I had the surgery. A month after the surgery, the insurance I got through COBRA sent me a letter telling me that my actual start date on the policy was the day AFTER I called, so they considered my problem to be a pre-existing condition and wouldn't cover the surgery. Also, I wasn't aware that I was still covered under my parents ins. When I found out, I sent them the claim, but they wouldn't pay due to timely filing. All the dr's bills are now in collections. Is there any way to appeal after this length of time? If there is, how would I go about doing this?