Helping You Pay Your Medical Bills

At Essentia Health, we know it is hard to heal when you are worried about paying your medical bills. As part of our commitment to provide patient-centered care, we provide cost estimates - both proactively and upon request - to patients prior to surgeries or other high-priced procedures. These estimates include costs for your hospital stay, surgeon's fees and anesthesia charges as well as insurance co-pays and deductibles.

If you are uninsured or under-insured, our financial counselors can also work with you to determine what discount programs you may qualify for to help cover your costs.

If you do not hear from us in advance of your surgery or procedure and would like to receive a cost-estimate, or if you are concerned about your ability to pay your medical bills, please call us at  833-430-5663

  • Payment Options

    For your convenience,you can make a payment, schedule a payment, or set up a payment plan by logging into your MyChart account.

    If you do not have a MyChart account, you can create one by visiting our MyChart - Signup Page or make a one-time payment through our Guest Pay option.

    Also available, you can make a one-time payment via our automated phone system 24/7 by calling  800-985-4675 and selecting option #2.

    We offer several payment options that are customized to meet your needs.

    • Essentia Health customized payment plans: Payment terms offered up to a maximum of 6 months with a minimum payment requirement of $40 per month. Log in to your MyChart account to set up your payment plan.
    • Extended Financing Options
      • CareCredit*: Essentia Health has partnered with CareCredit to offer flexible financing options. CareCredit is a health, wellness and personal care credit card that gives you the ability to pay over time with promotional financing options* for expenses of $200 or more. Choose between promotional terms for 6, 12 and 18 months. Learn more or apply at carecredit.com/Essentia.
        *Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See carecredit.com for details.

     

      • ClearBalance*: Essentia Health also partners with a well-established healthcare finance business called ClearBalance. ClearBalance offers a budget-friendly, interest-free plans to pay your bill with terms up to 24 months. You can call Patient Financial Services or learn more here at Make A Payment - ClearBalance.org

    *Please note that financing terms are determined by the size of the balance that needs to be funded.

     

      • Bank Loan: Essentia Health also works with Park State Bank to offer a low-interest bank loans for patients with balances over $5,000. Park State Bank offers budget friendly low interest loans to pay your bils for up to 72 months. Call Patient Financial Services to learn more about Park State Bank Loans.

    *Please note that financing terms are determined by balance funded.

    If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our Essentia Health payment options, please contact our Essentia Health Business Office by calling 218-786-3333 or 800-985-4675 Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm or, Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm.

  • Uninsured Discounts

    Patients without insurance coverage are eligible for a discount for medically necessary services provided by Essentia Health. Discounts may vary by location; contact your local business office representative for more details.

  • Before Your Visit

    Prior to your visit, please check with your insurance company to verify whether or not you need a referral from your primary care clinic or a prior authorization from your insurance company.

  • On the Day of Your Visit

    Please bring a current copy of your identification, insurance card and any co-payments required by your insurance policy to your appointment.

    In addition, you may be asked to sign a General Consent Form. This authorizes Essentia Health to bill your insurance. If this form is not signed, the balance for your visit may become your responsibility.

  • After Your Visit

    Essentia Health will bill your insurance company for charges related to your visit. After your insurance determines what they will cover, we will bill you for the remaining balance. Payment for that balance is due upon receipt of your billing statement.

    If you are unable to pay the remaining balance in full or believe that your insurance company should have covered the expenses, please contact one of our representatives. We can work with you to resolve billing issues and determine what programs you may be eligible for. A collection agency may be used when balances go unpaid, be sure to let our business office know if you require assistance. We are here to help you.

  • Are You Uninsured?

    As part of the Affordable Care Act, there may now be insurance coverage available for you and your family. Visit www.healthcare.gov to research coverage that you may be eligible for. You may also call our office if you have any questions.

  • How Do I Apply for Financial Assistance?

    At Essentia Health, we understand the importance of receiving health care when you need it, regardless of your financial situation.

    For information on how to apply or to get a copy of a free financial assistance application or to review our policy you can:

    • Learn more information on our Financial Assistance Program  page.
    • Log into your MyChart account to apply for Essentia Health's Financial Assistance program.
    • Call the Essentia Health Business Office toll-free 800-985-4675 or 218-786-3333 and request a free application to be mailed to you.
    • Visit the financial counseling office and/or registration desk at most Essentia Health hospital or clinic locations.

Updated: 11/8/2024

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