How to Pay Your Bill at Westchester Medical Center

Paying your medical bills can be confusing, especially if you’ve received care at a large hospital system like Westchester Medical Center (WMC). With multiple locations across New York’s Hudson Valley, WMC offers top-notch care but can present challenges when it comes time to pay your bill. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about understanding and paying your Westchester Medical Center bill.

Overview of Westchester Medical Center

Westchester Medical Center is the flagship hospital of WMCHealth, a network of hospitals, specialty care centers, and physician practices in the Hudson Valley region of New York The medical center itself is located in Valhalla and serves as the region’s only academic medical center, meaning they provide highly advanced care and serve as a teaching hospital.

WMC first opened its doors in 1997 and has since grown to over 1,000 beds across multiple campuses. In addition to the main hospital campus, WMC includes Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Behavioral Health Center, and several community hospitals and medical practices across the region They are the only Level 1 Trauma Center for a seven-county region.

With advanced treatments, technologies, and specialist care, WMC attracts patients from across the Northeast who are looking for top-notch medical care. However, the size and complexity of WMC can make navigating billing and payment confusing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Understanding Your Westchester Medical Center Bill

If you or a family member received care at any WMC facility, you can expect to receive a bill in the mail or accessible through your online patient account. WMC bills may include charges for:

• Hospital facility fees – This covers costs of operating the hospital facility itself.

• Care from WMC physicians – Even if they’re WMC doctors, their services are billed separately.

• Emergency services – ER visits, emergency surgeries, etc.

• Imaging, lab tests, procedures

• Medical supplies, medications

• Observation stays

• Any other services provided during your visit

The bill should list each service, supply, test, etc. separately with the associated charge. WMC generally sends out initial bills within 30 days of discharge. You may receive multiple bills from different practices or departments involved in your care.

It’s important to review your WMC bills for accuracy. Double check that you were only billed for services you received. If anything looks incorrect, contact the hospital billing department right away.

Options for Paying Your Westchester Medical Center Bill

Once you’ve verified your WMC bill is accurate, here are your options for payment:

Online Bill Pay

The easiest way to pay your WMC bill is through the online bill pay system. You can access this through your MyWMCHealthChart patient portal account. Online bill pay allows you to securely pay by credit/debit card or electronic check. You can also set up payment plans.

Phone

Call the central billing number at 914-493-7859 to pay your WMC bill over the phone. Have your account number handy.

Mail

You can mail a check or money order payable to Westchester Medical Center to:

Westchester Medical Center
Taylor Pavilion
100 Woods Rd
Valhalla, NY 10595

Be sure to include your account number on the check.

In-Person

Visit the cashier office located near the main lobby in Taylor Pavilion at WMC’s Valhalla campus. They accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit payments.

Financial Assistance for Westchester Medical Center Bills

Hospital bills can be expensive, so don’t panic if you get a high balance from WMC. There are financial assistance programs available that can significantly lower or eliminate what you owe.

Uninsured Discount

Patients without health insurance automatically get a 30% discount off their balance.

Prompt Pay Discount

Pay your WMC bill in full within 30 days and receive a 15% discount.

Payment Plans

Having trouble covering the full amount? WMC offers interest-free payment plans to spread out what you owe over time.

Financial Aid

Those who meet income requirements can have part or all of their bill covered through WMC’s financial assistance program. Ask about applying.

Government Insurance

See if you qualify for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or other government-sponsored coverage. WMC can help with enrollment.

Negotiating Lower Bills

Don’t be afraid to negotiate – hospitals often lower bills for patients who speak up. Explain your situation and ability to pay.

Avoiding Westchester Medical Center Bill Surprises

While you can’t control getting hurt or sick, there are things you can do to avoid major bill shocks from WMC:

• Have health insurance – This gives you discounted negotiated rates. Review your policy so you understand your copays, deductibles, and coverage.

• Ask about costs upfront – If you need a non-emergency procedure or test, contact WMC billing beforehand to get price estimates.

• Request in-network providers – This helps lower your out-of-pocket costs. Don’t be afraid to ask for only in-network doctors, facilities, etc.

• Review bills promptly – Contact WMC billing right away if you spot any discrepancies. It’s easier to get inaccuracies corrected early on.

• Explore financial assistance – Even insured patients can qualify for WMC financial aid based on income. Apply to see if you’re eligible for reduced costs.

• Negotiate – Hospitals often lower bills substantially if patients speak up. Be polite but firm in negotiating a more affordable payment.

Questions about Your Westchester Medical Center Bill?

Paying a medical bill can be confusing, but Westchester Medical Center’s billing department is available to help. If you have any questions about your WMC statement, understanding charges, setting up payments or applying for financial assistance, contact the billing office:

• Phone: 914-493-7859
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: Visit your MyWMCHealthChart account

The financial counselors at WMC will be happy to answer your questions and help you get your medical bills paid off. With the right information and a proactive approach, you can avoid stress and tackle your WMC statement.