I can't abide dishonest practices

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I received a bill from the hospital where I had the massive kidney infection. All together, I was in the hospital for three days, received tons of antibiotics, IV fluids, CT scan, blood draws every two hours, was put to sleep to have a stent inserted, and two weeks later had surgery to remove the kidney stone. So you know it was an astronomical bill. I am so thankful I have Medicare and BC/BS of NC which usually covers my medical bills. I received a bill a couple of weeks ago for $74 which I mailed to them. Then when I got a bill for over $400, I really investigated my EOB's (explanation of benefits) and called the hospital. I was told that, "Oh, never mind, you don't owe anything." I said, "Then why in the heck did you send me a bill? And what about the first check I sent you?" She said, "We'll send you a refund in a month." Now I know I'm not the only patient who received a bill they did not owe. If I hadn't paid attention to the EOB's, I would have paid that bill. And I feel pretty sure many others have done the same. They just got caught this time and assured me they always send refunds when patients overpay. Yeah, right. When they bill the patient before they are finished being paid by the insurance companies, they know what they're doing. GRRRR!!! That's so wrong. I feel they probably take advantage of older people who don't realize what's happening. I might be an "older people", but I'm sure glad I didn't accept their fraudulent practices.