Patient Financial Services

What to know about paying for health care services

Thank you for choosing Hancock County Health System for your health care needs. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care and excellent customer service. This concept of care embraces the physical, psychological, spiritual, social and economic needs of those we serve, regardless or race, creed, sex, age or financial status.HCHS attempts to respond to the needs of those we serve insofar as resources and capabilities will allow.  We hope the following information answers some of the questions you may have regarding payment options and programs available to you at HCHS.

INSURANCE

HCHS will submit your bill to your insurance company. Remember, though, it is ultimately your responsibility to pay for the services you receive at HCHS facilities which include our hospital and clinics. 

• To help you get the most from your insurance plan, we encourage you to become familiar with your insurance plan’s requirements before seeking care. Plans can differ significantly and each patient should understand his/her individual benefits package. Please contact your insurance company at the telephone number on your insurance card if you have questions regarding your coverage.
• It is our policy to copy insurance cards every time you register—that makes it possible for us to keep our records up-to-date and ensure accurate billing.
• If other providers are involved in your care—radiologists, anesthesiologists and pathologists, for example—we will share your billing information with them so they can file with your insurance company as well. Note that services by those providers are billed separately and will not be included in our hospital charges.
• Many insurance benefits include copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance, which are the responsibility of the patient. Please be prepared to pay your portion at the time you receive services.
• If you do not have current insurance cards, or if your visit is due to an accident (or liability) which involves someone else (a third party) payment for the service will be your responsibility until proof of insurance is presented.
• If you do not have insurance, you will be asked to make a minimum payment before you leave the hospital. Our financial counselor is available to discuss payment options.
• Failure to meet your financial obligation could result in referral of your account to an outside collection agency.

MEDICARE

HCHS is an approved Medicare provider and all services are billed to Medicare following federal guidelines and procedures.  

Please refer to your Medicare handbook or contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 if you have specific questions about Medicare coverage.

Trained counselors from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa, are available to help with your individual Medicare billing concerns. SHIIP counselors do not sell insurance or promote specific insurance companies, policies, or agents. SHIIP counselors can be scheduled by contacting SHIIP: 1-800-351-4664.

HCHS is an approved Medicaid provider. However, please remember that you must be eligible for coverage at the time of service and present your card for the current month. If it reveals that you have any other insurance coverage, you must present that insurance at the time of registration.  For questions on your Medicaid coverage and eligibility, please contact 866-707-3271.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION

If your health care needs are the result of a work-related injury, we will bill your employer or your employer’s liability carrier. We will also ask for your health insurance information until Workers’ Compensation approves the claim. You are responsible for ensuring that your Workers’ Compensation company will cover the services you receive.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

The Patient Account Services staff is available to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your bill from Hancock County Health System. You may contact us in person, by phone or fax. 

Hancock County Health System
641-843-5000
1-800-255-9389
Fax: 641-843-5001 

Financial Counselor
641-843-5134 

Wellmark/BCBS Billing Specialist
641-843-5133 

Medicare Billing Specialist
641-843-5131

Commercial Billing Specialist
641-843-5132 

Medicaid Billing Specialist
641-843-5139 

Director of Patient Financial Services
641-843-5067