Commonly Asked Questions
Who do I contact to find out how much a procedure will cost?
Please call our customer service line at 717-849-5432 for an estimate on simple outpatient visits. (lab tests or x-rays). This quote is an estimate only and does not take into account circumstances that may change the nature of the procedure. Estimates do not include charges for physician fees associated with the service. Due to the complex nature of inpatient stays and outpatient surgeries, it is not feasible to provide estimated charges for these types of services.
When is payment of my bill due?
If you do not have insurance, we request full payment of the balance within 30 days of receiving your bill unless alternate payment arrangements have been made.
How do I make financial arrangements on my bill?
The financial policy of Memorial Hospital is designed to allow anyone in need of critical care and/or emergency health care to receive such care, regardless of financial status or ability to pay. However, we ask for your cooperation in fulfilling your financial obligation to Memorial Hospital by paying your bill promptly or contacting your insurance carrier regarding payment.
Will the hospital bill my insurance?
The Billing Office bills both primary and secondary insurance carriers. It is important that you furnish complete and accurate insurance information to expedite prompt payment.
Will my insurance pay for everything?
There are many different types of insurance plans with a variety of coverage options. Typical patient charges include co-pays, deductibles, private room charges and patient convenience items. These patient charges are applicable even though the Hospital may have a contract with your insurance carrier.
How do I know the insurance carrier has received a bill from the Hospital?
If your carrier does not process the claim within 45 days, you will receive an invoice from the Hospital. We suggest you contact your insurance carrier if you have any questions regarding payment of the bill. Encourage them to pay the claim promptly on your behalf. Ultimately, you are responsible for those charges unpaid by your insurance carrier.
How will I know the status of my account?
You will receive monthly statements indicating the status of your account, including any credits for payments you have made, contractual adjustments and/or insurance payments. Please be aware that each time you receive services from the Hospital, a separate account is created. It is possible to have several accounts, with different account numbers, open at the same time.
If I have a concern with my bill, who do I call?
You may contact the Customer Service Representative at 717-849-5432 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday, or visit the office personally between the same hours. The Credit Office is located adjacent to the Welcome Center on the ground floor of the Hospital.
Helpful Tip
Keeping track of the bills sent by various health care professionals and facilities, as well as the information sent to you by your insurance carrier, can be challenging. We suggest you keep these records in a separate file, noting the dates of service and payments made for those services. Keeping records in one place will be helpful in resolving billing questions and may also come in handy when it comes time to file your income tax return.
Physician Bills
In addition to the Hospital’s bill, you may receive separate bills from your personal physician, radiologist, anesthesiologist, emergency room physician and other consultants or specialists that your attending physician chooses to involve in your case. They will bill you directly for their services because they are in private practice — they are not employed by Memorial Hospital.
The Hospital cannot control which insurance plans are accepted by the physicians who provide services at Memorial. Therefore, you should discuss with your personal physician, whether he/she can include in your care only physicians who accept your insurance plans. Otherwise, you may incur additional co-insurance expenses.
Understanding Health Insurance
Co-insurance:
The amount you are required to pay for medical care after you have met your deductible. This rate is usually expressed as a percentage of covered charges, i.e. 20%.
Coordination of Benefits (COB):
COB eliminates the duplication of benefits when you are covered under more than one group plan. Benefits under the two plans usually are limited to no more than 100 percent of the billed charges. Many insurance companies will not process claims until they have COB information on file. Should your carrier request this information, please respond immediately.
Co-payment (Co-pays):
Flat fee you pay every time you receive service.
Contractual Adjustments:
The difference between hospital charges and what the hospital is contractually obligated to accept as payment from the insurance company.
Deductible:
The amount of money you must pay each year to cover your medical care expenses before your insurance policy starts to pay.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB):
A form sent to you by your insurance carrier. It explains the amount of total hospital charges covered by your policy, the amount of payment made and to whom, and any deductibles or co-insurance.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO):
Prepaid health plans. You pay a monthly premium and the HMO covers the cost of your physician visits, hospital services, etc. You must use the physicians and hospitals designated by the HMO.
Inpatient (IP):
This refers to charges relating to an inpatient (or in hospital) admission.
Medicare Carrier:
The company that processes Part B physician claims. HGS Administrators is the carrier in the Greater York area.
Medicare Intermediary:
The insurance company the federal government contracts with to administer the Medicare Program. Mutual of Omaha is the company that is assigned to Memorial Hospital.
Outpatient (OP):
This refers to charges relating to outpatient testing and/or outpatient surgery.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO):
A combination of traditional fee-for-service insurance and an HMO. When you use the physicians and hospitals that are part of the PPO network, your medical and hospital bills are covered. However, you have the option of using physicians outside the network, but at an additional cost to you.
Pre-existing Condition:
Health condition that existed before the date your insurance became effective. Many insurance plans will not cover care related to pre-existing conditions. Some will cover them only after a waiting period.
Primary Care Physician (PCP):
Family physician who monitors your health and diagnoses and treats any conditions or illnesses. Your PCP may refer you to a specialist if another level of care is needed. If you have an HMO, your PCP must authorize all services, including ER services.
