Have you ever felt stressed when opening a medical bill with an amount higher than you expected? You’re not alone. At Penn Medicine, we understand medical bills can be confusing and payment can be difficult for some patients. Not to worry – this comprehensive guide outlines various options and steps you can take to pay your Penn Medicine bill.
Understanding Your Penn Medicine Bill
When you receive care at any Penn Medicine facility, you’ll get a bill afterward outlining the services provided and amount owed. Here’s a quick run-down so you know what to expect
- What’s included: Your bill covers things like doctor visits, medical procedures, lab tests and facility fees. Every item conducted during your visit is billed separately.
- Multiple bills: Since multiple providers are involved in your care, you may get bills from the hospital, labs, individual doctors, etc. But don’t panic – it’s normal!
- Owing money: If your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, the remainder is your responsibility to pay out-of-pocket. This is the dreaded “patient responsibility” part of the bill.
- Confusing codes: Medical billing contains confusing codes and medical jargon. But the total amount you owe will always be clearly stated.
I feel ya – medical bills can be seriously overwhelming! The good news is Penn Medicine has payment options to make it more manageable Let’s explore them..
Payment Options From Penn Medicine
Penn Medicine offers flexible payment plans tailored to your financial situation. Before choosing one, estimate what you can reasonably pay each month:
- Payment plans: Break up balances into smaller monthly payments over 6-12 months based on your budget. Plans are interest-free!
- Financial assistance: If payments are still unaffordable, you may qualify for reduced costs based on income, assets and family size.
- Loans: Get fixed-term, fixed-rate loans from Penn Medicine to pay your bill in full. Pre-approval available.
Penn also works with external programs like CareCredit which provide financing options for medical bills. Talk to a Patient Account Representative to find the best fit.
Steps to Take For Paying Your Penn Medicine Bill
Navigating medical bills can be confusing AF. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to deal:
1. Don’t ignore bills!
I know – tossing unopened bills seems so tempting. But missing due dates can result in late fees or bills sent to collections…yikes!
2. Review billing statements
Make sure all charges are legit services you or a family member received. Errors can happen – always verify!
3. Submit to insurance ASAP
Send bills to your health insurance provider so they can cover their portion. This reduces your patient responsibility.
4. Understand your share
Figure out what part of the bill insurance didn’t cover that you now owe. Look for “patient responsibility.”
5. Set up payment plans
Choose a reasonable monthly payment plan that fits your budget. Automate payments to avoid late fees.
6. Apply for financial assistance
If still struggling, submit an application explaining your financial hardship. Aid reduces costs.
7. Consider medical loans
An affordable loan through CareCredit or Penn Medicine can cover your entire balance immediately.
8. Ask questions!
Confused by a charge or how to pay? Contact Penn’s billing department to get answers.
I know I just threw a lot of info at ya! Paying medical bills sucks big time. But staying on top of payments prevents dings to your credit or unpaid debts sent to collections. If you follow this guide, you’ll be a pro at handling that Penn Medicine bill in no time!
Frequently Asked Billing and Payment Questions
Still feeling lost about paying your Penn Medicine bill? Here are answers to some FAQs for extra clarity:
How do I check my Penn Medicine account balance?
Log in to your PennChart account online or use the Penn Medicine app to view current statements and account balances anytime.
What forms of payment does Penn Medicine accept?
We accept credit/debit cards, checks payable to Penn Medicine, and cash payments in our Patient Accounting offices.
What if I can’t afford my payments?Contact a Patient Account Representative to discuss alternate payment plans, loans or financial assistance programs that reduce costs.
Do you offer discounts for paying bills quickly?
We don’t currently offer prompt pay discounts. But paying your balance ASAP prevents late fees down the road.
What happens if I miss a payment?
We’ll send a notice reminding you to pay the past due amount. Call us immediately to discuss options if you anticipate missing payments.
Can I negotiate my balance due?In special cases we can review certain out-of-pocket charges with you. Contact us to explain your situation – we want to help patients whenever possible.
Get Support Paying Your Penn Medicine Bill
Dealing with medical bills can be mega frustrating, I feel you. But Penn Medicine’s billing team is here to help explain charges and choose the best payment option for your situation. We offer:
- Payment plans tailored to what you can afford
- Interest-free loans with low monthly payments
- Financial assistance programs that significantly reduce costs
- Answers to any billing questions – never hesitate to ask!
We also have online bill pay, automated payments and other conveniences to make this hassle-free. Our goal is helping patients focus on health – not stressful medical bills.
Call Penn Medicine’s Patient Accounting department at (215) 662-0580 with any billing questions. We’re open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide support over the phone or in our offices at 750 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. You can also email inquiries to [email protected].