• Q: I have a question about my bill, whom do I contact?
  A: If you have any questions about your hospital bill, please contact us at (207) 664-5495.

• Q: I belong to a managed care plan. What should I do before my scheduled visit or inpatient admission?
  A: Read your plan booklet to be sure you have followed guidelines for referrals and authorizations, or call your plan for assistance. Failure to follow the plan requirements may result in greater out-of-pocket expenses for you. If you receive a verbal authorization number, please call us at (207) 664-5335 and we will add the information to the billing system.

• Q: I don’t have any insurance. Is there any help available?
  A: We can assist you in several ways. We can assist you through the Medicaid application process or we can give you advice on how to proceed. If you do not qualify, based on medical and financial criteria, we can review your financial situation to see if you qualify for the Hospital Free Care program or other assistance programs. Please call us at (207) 664-5332 for assistance.

• Q: Can I set up a payment plan for my portion of the bill?
  A: Yes. However, as a not-for-profit healthcare facility, we cannot maintain balances for extended periods. We will work with you to establish a mutually agreeable payment plan. Call (207) 664-5560 to set up a payment plan.

• Q: Why can’t all my hospital and physician bills be on one form?
  A: Providers, such as the hospital and physicians, must use their own tax identification numbers and payer provider identification numbers. We are required to send separate bills. Please contact (207) 664-7065 if you have a question about a physician bill.

All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital’s billing procedures and charges.

If there is a question about your insurance coverage, a member of the Patient Accounting Department will contact you or a member of your family while you are here. Information is needed in order to process your claims.

If You Have Health Insurance

We will need a copy of your identification card. We also may need the insurance forms which are supplied by your employer or the insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital.

If You Are a Member of an HMO or PPO

Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan’s requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. Some physician specialists may not participate in your healthcare plan and their services may not be covered.

If You Are Covered by Medicare

We will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. Deductibles and co-payments also are the responsibility of the patient.

If You Are Covered by Medicaid

We will need a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.

If You Have No Insurance

A representative from the Admission Department will discuss financial arrangements with you. The hospital offers several programs such as payment arrangements, discounted care and free care upon demonstration of need. The Financial Counselor will be available to discuss all available options.

Your Hospital Bill

The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. But you should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill. We have several payment options available to assist you in paying your bill.

Your bill reflects all of the services you receive during your stay. Charges fall into two categories: a basic daily rate, which includes your room, meals, nursing care, housekeeping, telephone and television; and charges for special services which include items your physician orders for you, such as x-rays or laboratory tests.

If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them.

Going Home

When our doctor decides you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. You may want to make arrangements with a family member or friend to help you when it’s time to go home. Some important things to remember concerning:

Personal Belongings

Collect all of your belongings and double-check closets and drawers. If you have anything stored in the hospital safe, contact your nurse.

Discharge Instructions

Your doctor and your nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your diet, activities or other matters, please be sure to ask.

Medications

If your doctor gives you a prescription, it can be filled at a local pharmacy. Always inform your nurse or physician if you do not have a prescription for any drugs you are discharged on. It is very important that you read the insert that comes with your prescription. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know your drug allergies and over-the-counter medications, including herbs and supplements, that you are taking.

After You are Discharged

There are occasions when patients need additional treatment or care after they are discharged from the hospital. Maine Coast Memorial Hospital staff will discuss options available to you and will assist in making the needed arrangements for you. If you have questions, please feel free to ask.

When you are ready to leave, a member of the hospital staff will escort you to the front entrance and help you into the car.

Special Services

Maine Coast Memorial Hospital includes a Skilled Nursing Program as part of their services. The Swing Bed Program provides short term skilled rehabilitation. You must meet skilled criteria to be eligible for this program. This program provides daily skilled therapy to assist you in meeting self-care goals that are set between you and your hospital team. You will be encouraged to wear your own clothing and to participate in your personalized plan of care to strive for independence. The Swing Bed Activities Coordinator will visit you and can provide activities such as movies, crafts, and many other activities.

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