Baptist Health Deaconess Surprise Billing
Rights and Protections (PDF)
Being hospitalized or undergoing a medical procedure can be stressful. Medical bills often add to this stress. At Baptist Health Deaconess, we try to simplify the billing process as much as possible.
See the payment methods below to learn more about billing services and payment expectations.
IF YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE
Your Responsibility
Before undergoing medical procedures or being hospitalized, familiarize yourself with the terms of your insurance coverage. You will be responsible for co-payments, deductibles and other non-covered services that insurance does not pay. Payment is requested during registration. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your health insurance card prior to services. You may also need to provide insurance forms supplied by your employer or insurance company.
Our Commitment
For most insurance plans, we will verify your insurance coverage and bill your insurance company on your behalf. You will be responsible for paying any amount of your bill that your insurance company does not pay. If you make an overpayment, we will refund the amount after we receive all payments from your insurance company.
IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF AN HMO OR PPO
Your Responsibility
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) sometimes have special requirements, such as pre-certification for certain procedures or second opinions before a surgical procedure is approved. You are responsible for ensuring that all the requirements of your health insurance plan are met. If the requirements of your plan are not met, you may be responsible for payment of all or part of the services rendered by the hospital.
Our Commitment
If we accept insurance assignment, we will bill your insurance company on your behalf. We will also verify coverage with your insurance company either before or during your hospital stay. We will request additional payments from you for any amounts of your bill that your insurance company does not pay. If you make an overpayment, we will refund the amount after settlement with your insurance company.
IF YOU ARE COVERED BY MEDICARE
Your Responsibility
Familiarize yourself with your Medicare benefits before a medical procedure or hospitalization. Medicare may pay all or a portion of your hospital charges, but understand that non-covered fees are your responsibility. Be aware that Medicare specifically excludes payment for certain services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others. Prior to services, please provide a copy of your Medicare card.
Also, you must complete and sign the appropriate forms, including the Medicare questionnaire, noting your Medicare recipient number. Medicare deductible amounts for inpatients are due at the time of discharge, unless you have a Medicare supplemental policy. Outpatients are expected to pay their co-insurance and deductibles at time of registration.
Our Commitment
Baptist Health Deaconess will verify your Medicare eligibility and process your claim. If you have a Medicare supplemental insurance policy or second insurance, we will bill them for you as well.
IF YOU ARE COVERED BY MEDICAID
Your Responsibility
Familiarize yourself with your Medicaid benefits before a medical procedure or hospitalization, and understand that non-covered fees are your responsibility and are due at registration or upon discharge from the hospital. Medicaid may pay for all of your charges except for personal convenience items, depending on the type of coverage, but be aware that Medicaid has payment limitations on a number of services. Prior to services, please provide a copy of your Medicaid card.
Our Commitment
Baptist Health Deaconess will verify your Medicaid eligibility and process your claim. We can also help you apply for Medicaid during your hospitalization.
IF YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE
Your Responsibility
Patients without medical insurance coverage will be asked to prepay an estimated bill or make other payment arrangements in advance, based on services you are expected to receive and the estimated length of the hospital stay. Any unpaid balance will be due at the time of discharge. If you are unable to pay your balance immediately, you must contact our Patient Financial Services representatives to discuss payment options, including possible payment assistance.
Our Commitment
Baptist Health Deaconess can often make financial arrangements for patients who do not have insurance. A Patient Financial Services representative will assist you in making payment arrangements. If you need help qualifying or applying for Medicaid, the ACA Marketplace or Medicare coverage, we have product experts to assist you.
Uninsured-Patient Discounts
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Hospital and Medical Group offer a discount to uninsured patients.
Charity Care
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville Hospital and Medical Group are committed to providing quality care to all patients in need. Financial assistance is granted to those that qualify. No one will be denied access to services due to their inability to pay. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.
Financial Assistance Information
We offer financial assistance to low-income individuals and families, in addition to no-interest payment plans. We can usually work with patients to prevent bills going to collections or beyond, but you must contact us. We can’t help you if we don’t know you need help.
Extended Payment Arrangements
If you are unable to pay the balance of your bill either before or at the time of discharge, you may qualify for an extended payment plan.
If you have questions about this information during your stay, please call the Deaconess Business Office at
812-450-6815 or
1-800-467-6802.
Payment Information for All Patients
The uninsured portion of your hospital bill is due at the time of your discharge, but we realize you may not have the resources to pay the entire amount the day you leave the hospital.
Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express are all accepted payment methods.
Payment/payment arrangement is expected when bills are received. However, if you receive bills that you know you won’t be able pay right away, please calls us at the numbers below, because we want to work with you. You may qualify for financial assistance, payment plans and more.
Patient Financial Services
Phone: 812-450-6815
Fax: 812-450-6822
Toll Free: 1-800-467-6802