BILLING FOR OUR SERVICES

Our registration staff will ask you for insurance information at each of your visits. If any changes occur with your insurance and/or employment, please inform the registrar. Your cooperation In giving accurate and complete insurance information will help get your insurance claim processed quickly.

Most bills will be submitted directly to your insurance carrier for processing on your behalf. We will let you know if we are unable to submit claims to your insurance carrier. If this is the case, you will be supplied with all required billing information, but payment will be requested from you at time of service.

PAYMENT OF YOUR BILL

Regardless of your insurance coverage, patients are ultimately responsible for payment of their medical bills. Although we will bill your insurance on your behalf and make every responsible effort to obtain payment from your insurance carrier, if they reject the claim, or delay payment. we will ask you for payment In full.

Payment of all known deductibles, co-payments, and non-covered services will be requested at the time service is rendered. Patients without Insurance will be asked for payment In full when service is provided unless other payment arrangements are made. We may also request payment of previously unpaid balances.

Do you have questions about your  North Country Hospital bill?

We can help. You’ll find answers to some common questions below. If you have any further concerns about billing and/or payments, please do not hesitate to call us.

Is this the only bill I will receive for these medical services?

When you receive a hospital bill for services, the bill includes many costs, facility charges, equipment, supplies, nursing services, and other support personnel. etc. You may expect to receive bills from the physician and/or other providers who supplied medical services.

What other bills should I expect? Can you tell me about them?

Government regulations require most hospital-based physicians and specialists to bill for their services separately from the hospital. You will receive a separate bill from your personal physician, surgeon, or another independent supplier of medical services. Examples: the pathologist for certain lab tests, the anesthesiologist & surgeon or surgery, or your personal physician or a visit.

Why did I receive a bill from North Country Hospital for lab services when I never even visited the hospital?

The North Country Hospital laboratory routinely performs tests on specimens sent from physician offices. Therefore, you may receive a hospital bill for laboratory or services your physician ordered, although you have not been to the hospital yourself.

What is the best way to be certain that my insurance is paying its share of the costs?

The best way is to present your insurance card and all insurance information at the time of registration. The registrar sets up a new amount for each visit to the hospital. This allows your insurance company to track your deductible& and co-­payments. If your card Is nor presented and the insurance does not cover these costs, you will be responsible for full payment.

Why didn’t my insurance pay charges for a routine check-up?

Most insurance companies, including Medicare, will not pay for routine physical check-ups. If you have screening tests, such as a chest x-ray, blood sugar tests, PAP smear, PSA, or other similar screening lest your insurance may not pay. You should contact your insurance carrier if you have questions about your coverage.

What can I do if I am unemployed and/or uninsured or feel that it will be difficult for me to pay my bill?

You may apply for free or reduced-cost care. Both the Admissions Office and the Financial Counselors will have applications.

Payment Options For Patients

North Country Hospital may offer up to a 10% discount on self-pay balances if requested and paid in full within 30 days of initial billing. Additional discounts may be offered if paid in full at the time of service or if paid within five business days.

In addition to check, cash, or money order, we accept all major credit cards as a convenience to our patients. For patients wishing to make payment arrangements, we have a financing program available.
If you are unable to pay your balance, our Financial Counselors will help you determine if you qualify for financial assistance. Please call our Financial Counselors at 1-802-334-3274 or 1-802-334-3273, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE “WE’RE HERE TO HELP!”

We understand health care costs can present a financial hardship to families and individuals. It is our intent to provide help to those who meet certain income and asset guidelines. You may request an application from the Registration Office (in the main lobby), the Emergency Room Registration desk, the Financial Counseling office (in the main lobby), or call the telephone number listed above to have one mailed to you.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

In order to promptly process your application for financial assistance, the following is required with your application:

  1. Applicants are asked to apply for Medical Health care benefits through Vermont Health Connect. You can apply online at https://portal.healthconnect.vermont.gov/ or by phone through Vermont Health Connect by calling 1-855-899-9600.  Or simply call North Country Hospital and make an appointment with one of our Financial Navigators. Medicaid enrollment is year-round.
  2. Proof of Income consists of the following:
    •The previous year’s income tax return, including
    all forms and schedules.
    •A Social Security statement or check, or a bank
    statement showing direct deposits of your monthly
    income(social security/disability).
    •Four recent paychecks or unemployment checks.
    •Two consecutive monthly bank statements.

We ask that the application be filled out completely and signed. If you have any questions about the application process or need assistance in completing the application, you are encouraged to call our Financial Counseling office at (802)334-3274 or 3273.

Our office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.