Frequently Asked Questions

Online Bill Pay FAQs

Billing FAQs

Q. What are my payment options online?
Online payment though our site is possible by check or credit card. Credit cards accepted include American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and VISA. Payments will be processed within three (3) business days of receipt.

Q. Is this website safe for credit card transactions?
Yes. The transaction portion of this website is protected with the latest encryption software from GeoTrust, an industry leader in secure transaction software.

Q. Can I view my account balance online?
No. Online access to account information in not possible at this time. If you have questions regarding your account balance or any other account-related topic, call 314-951-5574 or toll-free 1-866-491-5576.

Q. Is there a fee for making my payment online?
No. There is no fee for making a payment online.

Q. Why is my co-payment (co-pay) or deductible due at the time of service?
Per your contract with your health insurance company, you may be responsible for up-front payments. If you have questions concerning your responsibility, please call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.

Please realize that the co-pay is only a small portion of the actual cost of your hospital visit. However, its collection at the time of service is an obligation your insurance carrier expects as part of your cost-sharing coverage agreement.

Q. I haven’t been asked to pay before. Why now?
We are required to collect your co-pay that is set by your insurance company at time of service.

Q. My child’s other parent is responsible for his/her health care. Why do I have to pay the co-pay today?
We understand that you may have an agreement with your child’s mother or father. We will be happy to provide you with a receipt so that you may ask them for a reimbursement.

Q. How long do I have to pay my outstanding medical bills?
Exploring the various payment plans available to you with the financial counselor will help to determine the amount(s) and timeframe(s) which are most convenient to you.

Q. What if I overpay and a refund is due?
Once your insurance company has made final payment and your true overpayment is assessed, our billing office will refund the appropriate amount.

Q. If I pay my co-pay/deductible, will that be the end of my financial responsibility?
Co-payment/deductible amounts are determined by the agreement you have with your health care plan. Depending on the procedure(s) you have done and the contract you have with your insurance company, there may be unforeseen changes which you may be responsible for.

Q. Who do I call if I have questions about my bill?
Your final bill will not be submitted to your healthcare plan until 10 to 14 days after the last day that treatment was provided. Any questions you have can be answered by contacting our billing office toll-free at 877-989-3100.

Q. How can I receive a detailed copy of my bill?
You can contact our billing office at 314-989-3000, or toll-free at 877-989-3100.

Q. You are a not-for-profit religious organization. Why are you concerned with collecting my co-pay or deductible?
Our primary function is to provide care to you. We are collecting what you have agreed to pay when you signed up with your healthcare plan.

Q. What if I don’t have health insurance?
You will receive a self-pay discount on your final bill. We will also provide you with information on financial assistance and Medicaid.

Q. What if I can’t afford to pay what I owe the hospital?
The treatment provided was a necessary part of your treatment plan. There are many payment plans available. Our financial counselor will discuss with you which plan is most appropriate for your situation. Our goal is to provide you with information and flexibility to ease any worry you may have about your bills.

Q. If I don’t have insurance, can I still receive hospital services?
As a Catholic health care ministry dedicated to the communities we serve, SSM Health Care - St. Louis has provided exceptional health care services to our patients ― regardless of their ability to pay ― since 1872. By satisfying certain eligibility requirements, patients can receive full financial assistance. If you have met these criteria, your medical treatment will be provided free of charge. All medical expenses from this hospital visit will be covered by SSM Health Care. No payment is expected.

Some patients who meet eligibility requirements express a desire to cover part of the cost of their care with a voluntary contribution. If you wish to do so, please let your financial counselor know.

Q. What if my insurance doesn't cover the entire cost of my care?
Insurance does not always cover an entire medical bill. If you are having difficulty paying the full amount of your bill, we can help establish a payment plan. If you feel you qualify for financial assistance, patients can receive more information on financial assistance. Please contact our billing department at 314-989-3000 to discuss payment plans or eligibility for financial assistance.

Q. How will I know if my insurance company has paid my bill?
The first statement from SSM Health Care will show any balances paid by your insurance. Subsequent bills will not show payments from your insurance. If you have lost your first statement, please contact our billing department at 314-989-3000.

Q. Why have I received multiple bills?
In addition to a bill from your hospital, you may also receive a bill from a physician's office. Your physician may bill you seperate from SSM Health Care. If you have multiple bills from SSM Health Care, we can combine your bills to one statement and set up a payment plan. Please contact our billing department at 314-989-3000 to set up a payment plan.

Q. What if there is a mistake on my bill?
If you feel there is a mistake on your bill from SSM Health Care, please contact our billing department at 314-989-3000 to discuss.