How to Pay Your Bill at Saint Agnes Hospital

Getting quality healthcare is essential but it often comes at a cost. If you or a loved one has received care at Saint Agnes Hospital in Fresno California, you likely have a medical bill to pay. This article will walk through the Saint Agnes billing and payment process, online payment options, financial assistance programs, and tips for handling your hospital bill.

Overview of Saint Agnes Hospital Billing

Since 1912, Saint Agnes Medical Center has been helping people in Fresno as a Catholic hospital that is not for profit. Over the course of its main hospital campus and other clinics, the medical center provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services.

After getting care at Saint Agnes, you will get two bills: one from the hospital for facility fees and one from each of your doctors. Bills are typically sent within 30 days of discharge or service. Payment is expected within 45 days of the initial billing statement.

Saint Agnes hospital bills may include charges for

• Room and board fees
• Operating room, ER, and procedure costs
• Medical supplies and medications
• Diagnostic tests like x-rays, CT scans, or lab work
• Physician services during inpatient stay
• Other fees like equipment, recovery room, etc.

Bills from physicians cover their professional services and are billed separately.

Online Bill Pay Options at Saint Agnes

Saint Agnes offers several convenient online bill payment options:

• mySaintAgnes Patient Portal – Log in to view bills, make payments, set up payment plans, etc

• Epay Bill Pay – Make quick one-time payments by credit/debit card or eCheck.

• CarePayment – Set up interest-free monthly payment plans for your balance.

To start, visit the Saint Agnes online bill pay website. Have your account number handy for quick access.

How to Set Up a Payment Plan

If you are unable to pay your full balance due, Saint Agnes can help set up a reasonable payment plan tailored to your financial situation. To set up a payment plan:

• Login to the mySaintAgnes patient portal and click “Payment Plan Options”

• Select a down payment amount and number of months needed to pay the remaining balance.

• CarePayment will generate a monthly payment plan for you to review and approve.

• Monthly auto-payments will be withdrawn from your bank account. A fee of $2-$15 monthly applies based on balance.

Payment plans make bill repayment easier when you need extra time. Contact Saint Agnes billing with any questions.

Financial Assistance Programs at Saint Agnes

Saint Agnes offers financial assistance and charity care programs to uninsured or underinsured patients based on financial need.

Key assistance programs include:

• Medicaid – Provides free or low-cost coverage for qualifying low-income individuals. Saint Agnes can help with applying and eligibility.

• Charity Care – Uninsured patients below 200% of the federal poverty level may have bills reduced or forgiven.

• Prompt Pay Discounts – Uninsured patients get a discount for paying their bill quickly.

• Catastrophic Care – Uninsured patients with large balances relative to income may receive discount.

• Payment Plans – Customizable plans allow extended repayment for those in need.

Learn more about hospital financial assistance on the Saint Agnes website.

What If I Can’t Afford My Hospital Bill?

Don’t panic if your Saint Agnes hospital bill seems unaffordable. You have options, including:

• Contacting the billing department to discuss financial assistance, discounts, or a customized payment plan.

• Setting up a crowdfunding page to seek community support with medical bills.

• Negotiating with the hospital to reduce costs or receive hardship waivers.

• Getting clarity on charges to identify any billing errors or duplications.

• Consulting a medical bill advocate to negotiate on your behalf.

• Learning your rights as a patient when it comes to medical debt.

With proactive steps, you can reach a reasonable hospital bill payment solution.

Questions to Ask About Your Hospital Bill

Don’t assume your Saint Agnes bill is 100% accurate. Mistakes happen. Before paying, ask questions like:

• Is this the full and final bill or will more charges be added later?

• Were all of these services actually provided during my care?

• Are there duplicate charges for the same test or procedure?

• Am I being double-billed for services the insurance already paid?

• Are the diagnosis codes accurate based on my conditions?

• Does my bill reflect any financial assistance or prompt pay discounts?

Get clear answers so you fully understand what you’re being charged for.

Tips for Handling Medical Bills from Saint Agnes

• Save all bills, statements, and correspondence related to your care.

• Check for billing errors that may improperly increase your balance.

• If uninsured, request an upfront price estimate for planned services.

• Provide the hospital billing department with updated contact and insurance information.

• Act quickly if you receive notices about overdue bills or being sent to collections.

• Ask providers to submit insurance claims and follow up on status routinely.

• Get out-of-network care authorized to avoid surprise non-covered charges.

Staying organized and proactive will help avoid headaches when managing your Saint Agnes medical bills.

Seek Bill Payment Help if Needed

Coping with large unexpected medical bills can be extremely stressful. If you’re struggling, get help from:

• Hospital financial counselors who can explain your bill and options.

• Medical bill advocacy organizations that negotiate bills for free.

• Legal aid groups that assist with medical debt issues.

• Credit counselors who help consolidate and repay healthcare debt.

• Therapists or social workers for emotional support.

You don’t have to manage alone. Support and resources are available.

Takeaway Points on Paying Your Saint Agnes Bill

• Closely review your itemized bills and account for all charges.

• Pay your Saint Agnes bill via the convenient online portal.

• Set up automated payment plans if you need to pay over time.

• Check if you qualify for Saint Agnes financial assistance programs.

• Act quickly to resolve billing issues or payment challenges.

• Seek help managing medical bills that cause financial hardship.

With proactive communication and follow up, you can get your Saint Agnes hospital bill paid in full.