BILLING & INSURANCE
Let us assist you.
Your procedure is over, your stay with us has ended, but now you may have additional paperwork to fill out. We can help. From forms and financial questions to working with Medicare or your insurance provider, Watsonville Community Hospital is as passionate about assisting patients with what happens after a medical procedure or emergency as with the care that occurs during it. Use the information in this section to help the billing and payment process go smoothly.
What’s the billing process?
We’ll bill your insurance company in a timely manner and do everything we can to expedite your claim. But remember, payment is ultimately your responsibility. If we bill your insurer, and after 45 days their portion is paid the account is not taken care of, we’ll look to you for final settlement of your bill.
Otherwise, we accept:
- Cash
- Check
- Money Order
- VISA
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
If you have insurance:
Insurance companies typically take 45 days to reimburse the hospital. We may ask you to assist us in the collection of your account, especially if there is any delay in receiving payment from your insurance company. We may also require you to make payments until a payment is received.
In addition, insurance plans frequently have limitations and may not pay your account in full. You are responsible for any unpaid balance.
Help Paying Your Bill
If you don’t have insurance:
No one will be denied necessary medical care due to lack of insurance or inability to pay. However, if you are uninsured you may be asked to pay a deposit when you’re admitted or when you register for an outpatient procedure.
You may be eligible for financial assistance programs, which is based on the annual gross income and number of persons in your family.
For more information, please click here for information on our financial assistance program or call our financial counseling office at (831) 761-5689.
Other organizations that can help
There are other independent organizations that can help you understand the billing and payment process and give you information about Covered California and Medi-Cal presumptive eligibility. The Health Consumer Alliance offers free assistance over the phone or in person to help people who are struggling to get or maintain health coverage and resolve problems with their health plans. Please visit the Health Consumer Alliance at https://healthconsumer.org.
Questions about your bill?
If you have questions about your bill, please be sure to have your patient number and date of the hospital visit handy and call (877) 818-9132, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm.