Hardship for Medical Expense Date Range

Hi

Looking for advice for the scenario below:

I have an participant who is requesting a medical hardship and submitted a bill/invoice dated August 2, 2012 listing an amount due but no due date.     What is the acceptable timeline for this type of supporting documentation?    I thought only bills could be submitted for a 6 month time period or future medical treatment that is not covered or reimbursed by insurance.   Currently, I have required the participant to provide a current letter from the hospital stating the amount owed, due date, and confirmation that no further payments were or are being made to this invoice.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I think you've done the right thing in asking for more info.  The approach we'd take in that case is, "is the amount still due and payable?"  If no, then it simply isn't an imminent/significant financial "need."  If yes, we'd probably still question why such an old bill is outstanding and go from their.