FAQs about Saint Francis Billing
This information provides answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by patients about insurance and payment. Of course, if you have any questions, we’ll do our best to provide you with answers. We want your hospital stay to be as comfortable as possible, and that includes helping to assist with your concerns about payment.
The patient is the guarantor (person responsible for paying) for the bill. However, if the patient is a minor, the parent/guardian is listed as the guarantor. Many people who have insurance assume that their insurance company is responsible for paying for the services received at the hospital. This is not necessarily true. If the hospital is unable to settle a claim with the insurance company, the patient/guarantor may be billed. It is the guarantor’s ultimate responsibility to ensure the bill for services provided is submitted to the insurance company and resolved.
Saint Francis Hospital bills most insurance companies directly as a service to our patients. You will be asked to sign a form allowing direct payment to the hospital.
At registration or upon admission, you will be asked to provide your insurance information, and a driver’s license or picture identification. You should also provide referrals or authorization forms that may be required by your policy. Supplying old or incomplete insurance information as well as not bringing the required authorization forms could result in hospital charges being billed directly to you.
We suggest that you contact your insurance representative for an explanation of your benefits. As a patient, you are responsible for knowing whether or not Saint Francis Hospital is a preferred provider of your health services beforehand. Unfortunately, many people receive unwelcome surprises when the bill arrives because they are not familiar with their insurance coverage. By contacting your health insurance company before anyone in the family gets sick or receives care, you will know the benefits and limitations of your insurance policy.
You are responsible for paying for any services received during your hospital stay that is not paid by your insurance company, including co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles. You can expect a notice or explanation of benefits from your insurance company indicating the amount to be paid to the hospital. If you should disagree with any amount not paid by your insurance company, you should contact your insurance company directly. Please note that the insured person is responsible for appealing any payment discrepancy or disputing non-payment with the insurance company directly.
Saint Francis Hospital accepts cash, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. A cashier is available in the main lobby of the hospital Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.