<prompt> Human: I had a dental surgery several months ago and was estimated as having to pay around 400, and that my insurance would take care of the remainder. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago and I get a surprise in the mail, saying that I owe 500 on top of what Ive already paid, because my insurance didnt pay the full remainder of the balance.I call the insurance and they say I maxed out my policy for the year, which is why they didnt pay up that remaining amount. They said its standard procedure, and highly recommended for any dental office to get a pre-approval on any procedure over 300, but the office neglected to do this. They confirmed that the office did not get a pre-approval and did not even contact them until a few months after the procedure was done. They said the office should have done a pre-approval and they would have known at the time, but the office did not do this.I feel like Ive been deceived, that I was quoted a lower estimate to get me to agree to the procedure, and then slammed with a surprise bill for more than double the amount afterwards. Insurance company wont help any further, and the dental office is standing their ground and refusing to take responsibility for not getting a pre-approval from the insurance company. The only thing they have offered me is a payment plan.Has anyone had experience with this? Can anyone advise on possible recourse I might have, other than having to pony up an amount I never would have agreed to in the first place, had the office followed standard procedures and told me the true amount?Thanks.  <response>: Its not the dental offices duty to investigate where you are at in regards to your annual limit, that is your responsibility. Before any major procedure you want to verify numbers with your insurance company. 