Fortunately for most of us, our children are rarely sick, ill or hurt. What happens, though, when you have to take your child to Children’s Hospital? I’m always just so thankful that we live in a city that has a children’s hospital facility and trained staff available. It’s right here in our community.
When you do have a sick or hurt child, your main focus is first and foremost on the well being of your child. You want the best possible care and you want them better now. I have two kids under ten and we seem to end up in the ER or Urgent Care of Children’s a few times each year for one mishap or another.
Over the course of the past seven years, my experience with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has been wonderful. Yes, sometimes we wait, but the end care has always been excellent. This goes for any and all staff with whom we’ve encountered.
At some point during your interaction with Children’s, let’s face it, you will receive a bill. Getting that bill in the mail can cause panic and feelings of being overwhelmed. Before you let the panic set in, take the time to do some research and make some phone calls. The staff in the Billing Department at Children’s will work with you to come up with a payment plan. The amount they will give you is based on a formula. If it’s too much for you, be sure to tell them that.
In addition to setting up a payment plan, check to see if you and your family are eligible for financial assistance. The eligibility requirements can change, but as an example, a family of four earning less than $88,200 is currently eligible for some type of financial assistance even with medical insurance. Be sure to check their website under Billing Information for the latest information.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital also has financial counselors available to speak with you. They can meet with you and help you determine what type of insurance you may qualify for as well as offer discounts and payment plans. All families within the immediate tristate area without insurance are eligible for these discounts and payment plans. Most families without insurance do qualify for some type of assistance. The counselors are located at the main campus of the hospital. If your child is admitted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a financial counselor can even meet with you during admission. Financial counselors are available by calling (513) 636-0201. Please don’t hesitate to call them.
Remember, even if you’re not eligible for any financial assistance, Children’s will work with you on setting up a billing plan without interest. The key to making this work is to have open communication between you and the Hospital.
(A big thank you to April who helped write this post.)
Great post and lots of helpful information. I’ll be sure to pass along to my friends with little ones or with little ones on the way!!!!!
So glad you wrote this post, Karen! So many Cincinnati families have to take their kids to Cincinnati Children’s for one reason or another. It’s really helpful to have this info when those bills starting showing up (or ideally, to prepare yourself in advance).
.-= Susan from FFC/Working Moms Against Guilt´s last blog ..Friday Finds – April 9, 2010 =-.