Financial Information

Your Hospital Bill

Your hospital bill is based on the charges incurred while you are a patient, including room, nursing care, and other hospital ancillary services — plus any outstanding balance from pre-hospitalization testing performed at Emerson Hospital. If you have insurance coverage, you may have copayments/deductibles determined by your insurer.

Physicians/Private Duty Nursing Fees

Your physician’s fees are not included in your hospital bill. You will receive separate bills from physicians and/or surgeons who participated in your diagnosis and treatment, including:

Your personal physician
Anesthesiologist
Radiologist
Pathologist
Emergency Department physician
Private duty nurses

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance companies require pre-admission certification. This means that you may need to notify your insurer as follows:

Prior to your admission to the hospital, or
Within 24 hours after emergency admission.

This pre-admission certification may be your responsibility for some commercial insurances. Failure to complete this process will cause unnecessary additional costs, for which you will be responsible.

At the time of admission, you will be asked to provide current insurance information, cards and letters.

Your insurance coverage, including Medicare/Medicaid and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) will be evaluated prior to the time of admission.

If your hospital bill is being paid by Worker’s Compensation, we will need verbal or written approval from the carrier before your claim can be processed.

If any part of your bill is not covered by insurance, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for payment by cash, check, credit card, or payment plan, before the day of discharge.

Observation Patients and Insurance Coverage

If you are admitted for observation, it is important that you check with your insurer to determine whether you have been approved for outpatient observation services. Insurers define observation as “outpatient” and you will be responsible for any deductible and insurance co-payments. For more information, please call your insurer directly.

Financial Counseling

Emerson Hospital financial counselors and customer service representatives are available
to assist patients who are in need of financial assistance. These specialists can also supply you with information regarding MassHealth and free care.

If you would like further information or an application before leaving the hospital or if you have questions after discharge, please call 978-287-3043 or 978-287-3064.

Free Care Eligibility Requirements

Under Massachusetts regulations you may be eligible for payment of part or your entire hospital bill under MassHealth or free care. Guidelines on eligibility for full or partial free care are available by calling 978-287-3020.

If you think you may be eligible for free care, you can get information and an application by calling 978-287-3043 or 978-287-3064.

Medicare Counseling (SHINE program)

The free, volunteer-run Medicare counseling program will assist you with questions regarding Medicare coverage, completing forms, and problems with payment. For information, call 978-287-3170.

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	Financial Information Your Hospital Bill Your hospital bill is based on the charges incurred while you are a patient, including room, nursing care, and other hospital ancillary services — plus any outstanding balance from pre-hospitalization testing performed at Emerson Hospital. If you have insurance coverage, you may have copayments/deductibles determined by your insurer. Physicians/Private Duty Nursing Fees Your physician’s fees are not included in your hospital bill. You will receive separate bills from physicians and/or surgeons who participated in your diagnosis and treatment, including: Your personal physician Anesthesiologist Radiologist Pathologist Emergency Department physician Private duty nurses Insurance Coverage Most insurance companies require pre-admission certification. This means that you may need to notify your insurer as follows: Prior to your admission to the hospital, or Within 24 hours after emergency admission. This pre-admission certification may be your responsibility for some commercial insurances. Failure to complete this process will cause unnecessary additional costs, for which you will be responsible. At the time of admission, you will be asked to provide current insurance information, cards and letters. Your insurance coverage, including Medicare/Medicaid and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) will be evaluated prior to the time of admission. If your hospital bill is being paid by Worker’s Compensation, we will need verbal or written approval from the carrier before your claim can be processed. If any part of your bill is not covered by insurance, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for payment by cash, check, credit card, or payment plan, before the day of discharge. Observation Patients and Insurance Coverage If you are admitted for observation, it is important that you check with your insurer to determine whether you have been approved for outpatient observation services. Insurers define observation as “outpatient” and you will be responsible for any deductible and insurance co-payments. For more information, please call your insurer directly. Financial Counseling Emerson Hospital financial counselors and customer service representatives are available to assist patients who are in need of financial assistance. These specialists can also supply you with information regarding MassHealth and free care. If you would like further information or an application before leaving the hospital or if you have questions after discharge, please call 978-287-3043 or 978-287-3064. Free Care Eligibility Requirements Under Massachusetts regulations you may be eligible for payment of part or your entire hospital bill under MassHealth or free care. Guidelines on eligibility for full or partial free care are available by calling 978-287-3020. If you think you may be eligible for free care, you can get information and an application by calling 978-287-3043 or 978-287-3064. Medicare Counseling (SHINE program) The free, volunteer-run Medicare counseling program will assist you with questions regarding Medicare coverage, completing forms, and problems with payment. For information, call 978-287-3170.