Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way for me to pay my hospital bills?

When making medical payment decisions, make sure you know:

• the total costs
• what your insurance will cover
• what you will have to pay out-of-pocket
• what method of payment the hospital accepts
• if you or your physician's office staff will be completing insurance forms

What is a deductible? A co-payment?

• A deductible is the initial amount of "covered" health costs that you pay before your insurance plan begins reimbursement. A deductible is usually a set dollar amount such as $250 or $500.
• A co-payment is the portion of your health care expenses not covered by insurance. A co-payment is usually a percentage figure, like 10% or 20%.

For example, on a $500 bill, your deductible might be $150, so you would have to pay the first $150. This leaves a balance of $350. Of that $350, your co-payment might be 20%, meaning that you will have to pay an additional $70. Your insurance company will pay the remaining $280.

Once you have this information, there are a number of ways to pay your bill:

• If your insurance pays all but a deductible or co-payment, you will be required to pay an estimate of your portion of the bill at the time of service.
• The hospital will file the claim for you. After insurance has made payment, you will receive a bill asking for payment on the balance using cash, check, or credit card.
• In certain circumstances, you will be able to make monthly payments to the hospital until your bill is paid in full. You should discuss this with our Patient Accounts Department.

Make sure that you understand what the hospital requires and what payment options you have.

Who is responsible for paying my bill?

The hospital will bill your insurance company directly (unless you specify otherwise), but you are ultimately responsible for making certain that your bill is paid.

If a balance remains after your insurance has issued a payment or a denial, payment is due immediately upon receipt of your statement.

What other bills will I receive?

In addition to your bill from the hospital, you may receive bills from other physicians who may have provided services to you. For instance, you may receive bills from consulting physicians, radiologists, or other specialists. Please contact their offices directly if you have questions concerning their bills.

Did you bill my correct insurance?

To find the answer to this question, you will need to check your account details.

What is pending with my insurance?

To find the answer to this question, you will need to check your account details.

What do I owe?

To find the answer to this question, you will need to check your account details.

Did you receive my payment?

To find the answer to this question, you will need to check your account details.

Who do I call if I have questions about my bill?

Please contact your insurance directly for this information.