Frequently Asked Billing Questions

Insurance Coverage and Payment
You may have questions about your financial responsibility and what exactly your insurance may cover.  Below are the most common questions patients ask about their insurance coverage and clear, simple answers to them.  By giving you a summary of your financial rights and responsibilities, we hope you can concentrate on the most important part of your hospital stay … getting better.

Do I need to let my insurance company know that I am in the hospital?
Many changes have taken place in the health insurance industry in recent years.  Procedures and services once covered in full are now only partially covered, covered only under certain circumstances, or in some cases not covered at all.

Since every insurance plan is different, please be sure to check your coverage and ask questions. You can contact your insurance plan directly, or contact your employer for more information.

Your insurance plan can deny payment for services or procedures even after they have been completed.  Many health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance plans now require pre-admission notification, approval or second opinions for certain procedures. 

For your own peace of mind, we recommend you know the benefits of your individual plan.  Not following your insurance company's rules could result in a larger financial responsibility for you.

Does the hospital need a copy of my insurance card?
Yes.  Your insurance card contains information we need to file a claim with your insurance on your behalf.  Your registration process goes much faster when you bring your insurance information with you.

When do I have to pay my co-payment and deductible?
You are expected to pay your plan-required co-payment, estimated co-payment and/or deductible prior to leaving the hospital.  Banner hospitals accept cash, personal checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express.

Will the hospital bill my insurance company for me?
Yes, the hospital will, as a courtesy to you, send your insurance company a bill for services you incurred as a patient.  It is important to remember, however; that the hospital relies on you for settling your account in full regardless of your insurance coverage.  Your insurance policy is an agreement between you and your health insurance carrier.    

Are my physician's charges incorporated in my hospital bill?
No, your physician's bill is separate from the hospital bill.  You will get separate bills for medical services performed by other contracted professional medical personnel.  They may work at the hospital, but do not work for the hospital, such as radiologists, pathologists and anesthesiologists.  Please contact their private offices with questions about their bills.

What if I am having difficulties paying my co-payment or deductible?
Our Patient Financial Representatives are available and here to assist you.  Please contact your hospital's Business Office to discuss options that might be available to you.

What if I do not have insurance?
Patient Financial Representatives in the Business Office can discuss payment arrangements with you.

Am I eligible for other health benefits?
Banner Health partners with a non-profit organization called BenefitsCheckUp that helps thousands of people find programs for those 55 and older. These benefits may pay for some costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services. To check benefits available in your area, look for the medical & Rx assistance icon on your hospital's web page or go to www.benefitscheckup.org

Can I pay my bill online?
Banner Health plans to launch an online bill pay program by winter 2005. Check back for further details.

Who do I call if I have questions about my bill?
Contact the appropriate facility business/billing office:

Alaska:

• Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
  (907) 452-8181
• Denali Center
  (907) 458-5100

Arizona:

• Patient Financial Services Central Business Office (All Banner Health AZ Hospitals) – Once you have been discharged from the hospital and you have financial questions please contact one of our billing experts for assistance. The billing office is located at 3141 North 3rd Avenue.  They can be reached at (602) 640-3100 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

California:

• Banner Lassen Medical Center
  (530) 252-2000 ext. 4

Colorado:

• East Morgan County Hospital
  800-239-2835
• McKee Medical Center
  (970) 635-4186
• North Colorado Medical Center
  (970) 506-6500
• Sterling Regional Medical Center
  (970) 522-3225

Nebraska:

• Ogallala Community Hospital
  Last Names A-K (308) 284-7251
  Last Names L-Z (308) 284-7255
• Clinic
  Last Names A-K (308) 284-7252
  Last Names L-Z (308) 284-7253

Nevada:

• Banner Churchill Community Hospital
  (775) 423-3151

Wyoming:

• Community Hospital
  (307) 532-4181
• Platte County Memorial Hospital
  (307) 322-3636
• Washakie Medical Center
  (307) 347-3221

Important Terms and Definitions

• Co-payment – The portion of your bill you are required to pay for during registration.  Co-payment amounts vary depending on your insurance policy.
• Deductible – The amount your insurance company determines you must pay before they begin dispensing benefits on services rendered.
• Insurance Claim – The bill for services the hospital submits to your insurance company or companies.
• Itemized bill – A list of individual charges for services and procedures you received during your hospital stay.  Also lists your account number.
• Patient Balance – The amount on your bill that you need to pay.
• Statement of Account – Shows any activity (for example, insurance payments or denials) that has occurred since the itemized since the itemized bill was sent.