While you are at St. Mary’s Hospital, your primary focus should be your health. Since the ultimate responsibility for payment of your hospital bill rests with you or your guardian, however, we know you may also be concerned about the financial aspects of your hospitalization. To ensure your peace of mind, we suggest that prior to your admission, you confirm the type of coverage your insurance policy provides. Please remember that many employers, insurance companies and HMOs/PPOs now require notification by the patient, a family member, or doctor prior to or shortly after admission. If you do not comply with this requirement, your medical benefits could be jeopardized, or your insurance could refuse to pay your bill in part or in full. For your protection, please check with your place of employment or your insurance company for any unique requirements.

After your treatment, a summary bill will be sent to you and your insurance company. While your insurance company will probably pay all or some of your bill, you are responsible for paying whatever your insurance company does not cover. Major credit cards are accepted methods of payment for your portion of the bill. Please note: the hospital cannot enter into long-term financing arrangements for balances due.

Business Office
For more information or to answer any questions you may have regarding your bill, St. Mary's Business Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Billing
For billing assistance, please call 217/464-2964 For payment arrangements, call 217/464-2360

Medicare
St. Mary's will bill Medicare and, as a courtesy, your supplemental insurance carrier.

General Insurance
St. Mary's will bill primary and secondary insurance companies when an assignment of benefits is received. Questions concerning specific benefits should be directed to your insurance company.

Charity Care
St. Mary’s Charity Care Program offers assistance to all who show financial need. The hospital’s staff will assist people in exploring all other options for financial assistance, however, before enrolling them in the Charity Care Program. If no other alternatives exist, patients are welcome to apply for Charity Care and must meet established guidelines. The guidelines are not meant to discourage those in need from seeking treatment; rather, they are designed to ensure the hospital’s resources are used by those who need them most.

Eligibility
Any patient or responsible party in need of financial assistance may apply for Charity Care. If eligible, St. Mary’s Charity Care Program will provide coverage of 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% depending upon income level.

To Apply for Charity Care
If you wish to apply for Charity Care, please call or visit with a patient accounts representative (464-2964 or 464-2360) to discuss your financial need. Staff will assist you in completing the Charity Care Application form.

You will be required to furnish proof of income, possibility of future income, and information regarding assets. A tax return from the previous year (if applicable) and payroll stubs for the past 90 days must be submitted as proof of income. You must also demonstrate you have made every effort to secure financial aid from existing programs for which you may be eligible, including private insurance or Public Aid. St. Mary’s Director of Financial Services will review the application and supporting documents and determine if you are eligible for St. Mary’s Charity Care.

St. Mary's Charity Care Application

If You Qualify for Charity Care
If you qualify, you will be notified within 10 days regarding the percentage of your account that will be covered by Charity Care. The Director of Financial Services will subtract that amount from your bill and confirm payment arrangements on any remaining balance. A notation will be placed in your patient file regarding the portion of the bill waived through the Charity Care Program.

If You Do Not Qualify for Charity Care
If you do not qualify for Charity Care, you will be notified of the reasons for your denial. In addition, you will receive an itemized bill for services provided by the hospital. You must make arrangements to pay your account in full. To establish payment arrangements, call 464-2360. All accounts not qualifying for Charity Care will be returned to the hospital’s active files for normal follow-up. You are eligible to reapply for Charity Care if your financial situation changes.

For more information about St. Mary’s Charity Care Program or for reconsideration of eligibility, please call 217/464-2964 or 217/464-2360

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