Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the best way for me to pay my hospital bills?
The fastest, easiest way to pay your bills is through our secure online bill payment page. Our bill payment options include:
  1. Secure online bill payment
  2. Contact us by telephone and pay with your credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards.
  3. Stop by the Patient Account Services office and make a direct payment in full.
  4. You can make payment at the time of service (ex. making payment at the registration desk) or any time after the service. Locations where payment can be accepted at the time of service include:
  5. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, at 489 State Street in Bangor, ME
  6. Northern Light Acadia Hospital, at 268 Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, ME
  7. Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Mall, on 895 Union Street in Bangor, ME
  8. Northern Light Vascular Care, on 489 State Street in Bangor, ME
You can also mail a cashier’s check, personal check, or credit card information for payment in full directly to our office.
 
What is a deductible? Coinsurance? A-co-payment?
Insurance plans generally have deductibles, co-pays, and/or coinsurances.
  • A "deductible" is an annual expense that you must pay before your insurance benefits can begin. This amount can vary based on place of service (i.e. your doctor’s office vs. a large hospital). Supplemental insurance plans may cover this cost.
  • "Coinsurance" is the portion of the total bill (usually a percentage) that is the patient’s (or guarantor’s) responsibility to pay. This amount can vary based on place of service (i.e. your doctor’s office vs. a large hospital). Supplemental insurance plans may cover this cost.
  • A "Co-pay" is a set amount paid each visit, based on your insurance policy. This usually does not count toward your deductible.
 
For example, on a $500 bill, your deductible might be $150, so you would have to pay the first $150. This leaves a balance of $350. Of that $350, your co-insurance might be 20 percent, meaning that you will have to pay an additional $70. Your insurance company should pay the remaining $280. The hospital will file this claim for you. After insurance has been billed, you may receive a bill on any remaining balances.
 
Who is responsible for paying my bill?
The hospital will bill your insurance company directly (unless you specify otherwise), still, you are ultimately responsible for making certain that your bill is paid.

If a balance remains after your insurance has issued a payment or a denial, payment is due immediately upon receipt of your statement.
 
What other bills will I receive?
In addition to your bill from the hospital, you may receive bills from private practice physicians who may have provided services to you. For instance, you may receive bills from consulting physicians, radiologists, or other specialists. Please contact their office directly if you have questions concerning their bills.
 
Did you bill my correct insurance? 
Questions about insurance may be directed to our Patient Account Services. Add phone number
 
What is "pending" with my insurance? 
You may have received a letter or questionnaire from your insurance company requesting additional information. If you do not respond to this, the bill may become your responsibility.

Questions about your account may be may be directed to our Patient Account Services.
 
What do I owe?
You should receive an account statement in the mail. Your statement will reflect any unpaid balances on your account.

Questions about your account may be may be directed to our Patient Account Services department.
 
Did you receive my payment?
Any new payments made on your account should be reflected on your next account statement.
Questions about your account may be directed to our Patient Account Services department.
 
Why didn't my insurance pay?
You should have received an Explanation of Medical Benefits (EOMB) or Explanation of Payment (EOP) from your insurance company, showing how they considered your claim. This EOMB/EOP should have a contact telephone number or web site where you can reach your insurance company for questions. Please contact your insurance company or benefits office with questions about denied claims.
 
What if I didn’t give anyone my insurance information at the time of service?
If your service was within the past five days, you should contact our Registration department.
In order to prevent pre-certification and timely filing issues with your insurance plan, it is important that you contact us immediately.
 
What is pre-authorization, and who is responsible for taking care of it?
Many insurance plans require prior approval for services by patients and/or their primary care providers (PCPs) before services can be covered. This is often referred to as pre-authorization.

Before your visit to a Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center facility, please review your health-plan booklet or call your insurance company representative to clarify your specific policy benefits and requirements. Many Insurance Carriers also have their own websites – information about your company’s website can be found in your insurance policy handbook, on your insurance card, or at your benefits office.
 
I was injured at work – why am I getting a bill?
After notifying your employer of a work related injury, your employer should have filed a ‘Notice of Injury’ with the company’s workers compensation carrier. If they did not, the claim may be denied and become your responsibility.

Please check with your employer regarding the status of your workers compensation claim.