JHMC Health Insurances Accepted, Programs for the Uninsured and Billing
Payment Plans
Those who cannot afford to pay their bills in full may avail themselves of our in-house payment plans.
For questions and detailed information on all options, patients can call Jamaica Hospital’s Financial Services, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
718-206-6869
Hospital Statement
Hospital bills are based on the type and complexity of the care received.
The amount owed may include insurance deductibles, non-covered services or
items such as co-payments, co-insurance, or in appropriate cases, balances due after
insurance has paid on a charge.
We file a claim with the patient’s insurance carrier. For certain types of insurance
coverage, if there is a balance due after the insurance company has processed the claim,
or if the person does not have insurance, we will mail a statement that shows
the balance due after insurance payments.
Billing and Charges
We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with health and billing issues all at
the same time. We also know that medical bills and insurance details can get confusing.
Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible for our patients to understand.
Payment Expectations
Account balances are to be paid 21 days from the statement date. If a person is unable to
pay in full by that date, the person is advised to contact our Patient Accounts
representatives to make payment arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I cannot afford to pay the balance on my hospital bill?
Under the Jamaica Hospital Center’s Charity Care/Financial Aid Policy, financial
Aid is available to eligible patients who are in need as defined by the Policy, reside in
our primary service area, and receive non-emergent medically necessary services, or
for residents of New York State who receive medically necessary emergency room
services. Eligibility is based, among other factors, on family income and number
of family members in the household. If you think you may be eligible for financial aid,
you my request an application in the Patient Accounts or by calling
(718) 206-8270.
Installment payment plans are also available for those who qualify. This policy does not
apply to physicians services or services provided by other providers who bill
independently.
2. Where should I send my payment?
Payment should be sent to the address in the remit to section of your statement. For your
convenience, a return envelope has been enclosed.
3. What is the “NY State Surcharge” on my billing statement?
The surcharge is a kind of ‘tax’ that hospitals in New York State are required to add to any co-payments your insurance carrier charges to you when it processes your claim.
The surcharge is not charged to you on amounts considered to be insurance deductibles.
The hospital does not keep this portion of your payment. The hospital is required to submit it to the New York State Department of Health.
4. I gave my insurance information at the hospital. Why am I receiving this statement?
If our billing offices have not received information that you supplied at registration,
you will receive a statement. In some cases we may not have been able to process
information that you have furnished prior to the mailing of a statement. We apologize if your account has not been updated with the relevant information prior to the statement being mailed, and ask that you forward the information by updating the appropriate section of the statement that you received and return it to the hospital.
5. Why didn’t my insurance company pay in full?
Many insurance policies have a deductible, co-pay, or coinsurance amount.
Sometimes certain charges are not covered under particular policies. This may be the case with your carrier. For certain policies, balance billing is prohibited; we will not bill you for the balance unless called for by your policy and permitted by law. To confirm your responsibility under your policy, if any, you can call your insurance company directly or call the telephone number listed at the bottom of your billing statement or further information.
6. Professional Component. What other bills can I expect to receive?
In addition to the hospital bill you have received, you may receive bills from one or more of these other providers who bill independently including but not limited to:
- The physician(s) /doctor(s) who cared for you while you were a patient
in the hospital.
- The anesthesiologist if you had a procedure at the hospital.
- The ambulance if you were brought to the hospital by ambulance.
- Physicians who may have provided interpretation services for lab work,
x-rays, and the like to your physicians, even if they did not see you.
