Union Hospital expands discounts, rewards prompt payment
Union Hospital in Dover is now offering substantial discounts to uninsured patients and additional incentives for prompt payments. “Hospital charges will be discounted 30 percent for uninsured patients who don’t qualify for Medicaid or other assistance,” according to Carey Gardner, director of development and community relations. “An additional 15 percent discount will be applied if the bill is paid within 30 days or up to 20 percent if the bill is paid at the time of service.”
As an example, Gardner says a hospital charge of $1,000 would be discounted 30 percent to $700 if the patient has no insurance and is not eligible for any other assistance programs. If the patient paid their bill at the time of service, an additional 20 percent discount would be applied, reducing the charge down to $560.
Gardner said patients with insurance can also qualify for a discount if they pay promptly.
“Many insured patients still have a co-pay or deductible balance they’ll owe the hospital after their insurance pays,” Gardner says. “If the insured patient pays within 30 days they’ll receive a 10 percent discount off their balance due.”
In addition to the discounts for the uninsured and to reward prompt payments, a new online service enables all patients to view their hospital charges and make a payment via the hospital’s Internet website.
“A growing number of our patients prefer to see their hospital charges and make payments online, just as they do their other bills and banking services,” Gardner said. “If you visit the hospital’s website, http://www.unionhospital.org and click on the button ‘View and Pay Your Bill,’ patients will enter our secure site to view their charges and can make a payment with a credit or debit card.”
Gardner said the website also provides detailed information about the discounts offered, other financial assistance programs, and phone numbers for more help in answering payment questions.
“Offering these substantial discounts to the uninsured and rewarding prompt payment should be a benefit to our community which continues to suffer from the lingering recession,” Gardner noted. “The hospital will benefit too from helping more people resolve their hospital charges in a timely manner.”
Gardner said hospital statements and bills mailed to patients and responsible parties will make reference to the discounts offered and eligibility requirements. He urges anybody with questions about the discount programs being offered to call for information at 330-364-0847. To make an appointment for a confidential meeting with a financial counselor, call 330-343-3311, ext. 2127.
As an example, Gardner says a hospital charge of $1,000 would be discounted 30 percent to $700 if the patient has no insurance and is not eligible for any other assistance programs. If the patient paid their bill at the time of service, an additional 20 percent discount would be applied, reducing the charge down to $560.
Gardner said patients with insurance can also qualify for a discount if they pay promptly.
“Many insured patients still have a co-pay or deductible balance they’ll owe the hospital after their insurance pays,” Gardner says. “If the insured patient pays within 30 days they’ll receive a 10 percent discount off their balance due.”
In addition to the discounts for the uninsured and to reward prompt payments, a new online service enables all patients to view their hospital charges and make a payment via the hospital’s Internet website.
“A growing number of our patients prefer to see their hospital charges and make payments online, just as they do their other bills and banking services,” Gardner said. “If you visit the hospital’s website, http://www.unionhospital.org and click on the button ‘View and Pay Your Bill,’ patients will enter our secure site to view their charges and can make a payment with a credit or debit card.”
Gardner said the website also provides detailed information about the discounts offered, other financial assistance programs, and phone numbers for more help in answering payment questions.
“Offering these substantial discounts to the uninsured and rewarding prompt payment should be a benefit to our community which continues to suffer from the lingering recession,” Gardner noted. “The hospital will benefit too from helping more people resolve their hospital charges in a timely manner.”
Gardner said hospital statements and bills mailed to patients and responsible parties will make reference to the discounts offered and eligibility requirements. He urges anybody with questions about the discount programs being offered to call for information at 330-364-0847. To make an appointment for a confidential meeting with a financial counselor, call 330-343-3311, ext. 2127.
Published: September 20, 2011
