Financial and Insurance Information

Being hospitalized or undergoing a medical procedure can be stressful. Medical bills often add to this stress. At Ferrell Hospital, we try to simplify the billing process as much as possible.

See the payment methods below to learn more about billing services and payment expectations.

If You Have Health Insurance

Your Responsibility
Before undergoing medical procedures or being hospitalized, familiarize yourself with the terms of your insurance coverage. You will be responsible for co-payments, deductibles and other non-covered services that insurance does not pay. Payment is requested during registration. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your health insurance card prior to services. You may also need to provide insurance forms supplied by your employer or insurance company.

Our Commitment
For most insurance plans, we will verify your insurance coverage and bill your insurance company on your behalf. You will be responsible for paying any amount of your bill that your insurance company does not pay. If you make an overpayment, we will refund the amount after we receive all payments from your insurance company.

If You Are a Member of an HMO or PPO

Your Responsibility
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) sometimes have special requirements, such as pre-certification for certain procedures or second opinions before a surgical procedure is approved. You are responsible for ensuring that all the requirements of your health insurance plan are met. If the requirements of your plan are not met, you may be responsible for payment of all or part of the services rendered by the hospital.

Our Commitment
If we accept insurance assignment, we will bill your insurance company on your behalf. We will also verify coverage with your insurance company either before or during your hospital stay. We will request additional payments from you for any amounts of your bill that your insurance company does not pay. If you make an overpayment, we will refund the amount after settlement with your insurance company.

If You Are Covered by Medicare

Your Responsibility
Familiarize yourself with your Medicare benefits before a medical procedure or hospitalization. Medicare may pay all or a portion of your hospital charges, but understand that non-covered fees are your responsibility. Be aware that Medicare specifically excludes payment for certain services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others. Prior to services, please provide a copy of your Medicare card. Also, you must complete and sign the appropriate forms, including the Medicare questionnaire, noting your Medicare recipient number.

Our Commitment
Ferrell Hospital will verify your Medicare eligibility and process your claim. If you have a Medicare supplemental insurance policy or second insurance, we will bill them for you as well.

If You Are Covered by Medicaid

Your Responsibility
Familiarize yourself with your Medicaid benefits before a medical procedure or hospitalization. Prior to services, please provide a copy of your Medicaid card.

Our Commitment
Ferrell Hospital will verify your Medicaid eligibility and process your claim. We have enrolled with the following Illinois Medicaid Managed Care plans: Blue Cross Community Health Plan, Aetna Better Health, YouthCare, Meridian, and Molina.

If You Have No Insurance

Your Responsibility
Patients without medical insurance coverage will be asked to prepay an estimated bill or make other payment arrangements in advance, based on services you are expected to receive and the estimated length of the hospital stay. Any unpaid balance will be due at the time of discharge. If you are unable to pay your balance immediately, you must contact our Patient Financial Services representatives to discuss payment options, including possible Financial Assistance.

Our Commitment
Ferrell Hospital can often make financial arrangements for patients who do not have insurance. A Patient Financial Services representative will assist you in making payment arrangements.

Extended Payment Arrangements
If you are unable to pay the balance of your bill either before or at the time of discharge, you may qualify for an extended payment plan. If you have questions about this information, please call the Ferrell Hospital Business Office at 618-273-3361 ext 1663.

Paying Your Bill
Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express are all accepted payment methods. Payment or establishment of a payment arrangement is expected at the time your bill is received. It is possible you will qualify for financial assistance or a special payment plan. Please contact one of our financial counselors to see what assistance they can provide.

Patient Financial Services
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM