Helping You Pay Your Medical Bills

For your convenience, we take payments online and over the phone. We can even schedule payments to take the worry out of making your payments on time. Essentia Health offers short-term interest-free payment plans and long-term financing. Payments will be determined by the balance on your account.

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

• In-house Payment Plan: Payment terms offered up to a maximum of 5 months with a minimum payment requirement of $40 per month.
• 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 has partnered with a well-established healthcare finance business called ClearBalance. We are able to offer a budget-friendly and interest-free way to pay your bill with terms up to 36 months.

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

• • Bank Loan: Essentia Health has partnered with Park State Bank to offer a low-interest bank loan for up to 5 years.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our Essentia Health payment options, please contact our Essentia Health Business Office at 855-347-9674.

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.

Essentia Health is dedicated to making a healthy difference in people's lives. In fulfilling our mission, we offer financial assistance to patients whose insurance coverage and/or ability to pay their medical bills is limited.

Essentia Health's Financial Assistance Program provides a discount on bills for emergent and medically necessary care. A FAP eligible individual can't be charged more than the amounts generally billed for emergency or other medically necessary care. The program may cover current and outstanding bills and may remain in effect for 12 months after enrollment.

You may qualify for financial assistance when:

• You meet our program's income/asset guideline.
• You are uninsured.
• Your insurance policy does not provide full coverage for medically necessary care.
• You have substantial out-of-pocket expenses and are unable to manage your medical bills.
• You have completed an application.

The Financial Assistance Program is not an insurance program and does not cover:

• Certain medical services. Contact a representative for a complete list of non-covered services.
• Retail services from audiology, pharmacies or optical shops, etc.
• Services supplied by organizations that are not part of Essentia Health.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Find more information on our Billing & Financial Assistance page.
• 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 any Essentia Health hospital or clinic.