To relieve financial stress during your hospital stay, the financial service office can help you with payment options. The office can estimate the total cost of your care at Saint Vincent and compare that with your verified insurance coverage. It is important to note that most insurance policies, including Medicare, have deductibles or co-payments that must be covered by the patient for hospitalization. You can talk with your nurse to request a meeting with a financial service representative to discuss payment options.

If you entered the hospital as the result of an urgent admission, either through the emergency department or by doctor's order, a financial service associate can work with a family member to make sure you receive the maximum benefits from your insurance coverage. It is important that either you or a family member brings your health insurance forms and identification cards to the hospital so we can handle your insurance coverage promptly and efficiently.

Payment of Bills

Any money you may owe because of deductibles or uncovered expenses are generally requested before your admission or early in your stay. These bills should be paid in full by the time of your discharge. If you have difficulty paying these expenses or would like to make payment arrangements, a financial service representative can stop by your room to discuss your options.

Availability of Financial Arrangements

Saint Vincent strives to help patients with financial burdens, especially those who have no insurance and do not qualify for medical assistance. A financial evaluation designed to verify the need for assistance is performed by a financial service representative and is entirely confidential. Patients are asked to record their income, outline their expenses and present some proof to support the information they have given.

Eligible patients can make special payment arrangements and free care is available to those who qualify. For more information, call the Financial Service Office at (814) 452-5011 or extension 5011 on your hospital phone.

Community Care Policy At Saint Vincent Health Center

At Saint Vincent Health Center it is our mission to provide medically necessary treatment and service to all persons, regardless of their ability to pay for care. This mission is communicated to patients and their family members through signs posted in the health center and, wherever possible, by patient accounting representatives.

Responding to economic conditions and patient financial concerns, Saint Vincent Health System has implemented changes to two Community Care Programs. Saint Vincent patients will now be eligible for Community Care if they earn 350% above the national poverty level. This amount is an increase of 50% and is 150% more than most hospitals in the country. It means that a single person can earn up to $37,905 annually and qualify for Community Care. In addition, the Health System has agreed to allow patients to make arrangements to satisfy co-payments if they are having financial difficulties. In both cases, hospital financial counselors are available to work with patients and their families to help them qualify for these programs.

The information in the Community Care Brochure may also help you determine if this account and others may
qualify for partial or full write off under our Community Care policy.

Download Policy

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Questions About Your Bill

If you have any questions about your hospital bill, insurance or a reimbursement amount please call our financial service department at (814) 452-5011 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.