Patient Billing & Payment Information

Business Office Hours Monday through Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm Receptionist available: Monday through Friday: 6:00am - 8:30pm Saturday/Sunday: 8:00am - 8:30pm Emergency 24 hours/7 days per week As a patient at Kossuth Regional Health Center, you may have questions about your bill. This information should provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Do I need to inform my insurance company that I’m going to receive hospital services?

It depends on your insurance policy. Because there are so many types of insurance plans, it is difficult for us to tell you whether or not you need prior approval or notification. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company or your employer about this.
 

Should I bring my insurance card with me to the hospital?

Yes, the information on your insurance card is needed for KRHC to file a claim with your insurance company(s). When you register, we will ask you for information about your insurance coverage and have you sign a few forms. This registration process goes much faster when you bring your insurance information with you.

How do I find out if my insurance company will cover my hospital services? 

Insurance policies vary. Contact your insurance company or employer with specific questions about what is or is not covered by your insurance plan or if a referral is required. For example, Medicare does not cover the following services: self administered drugs (except when provided during acute or skilled inpatient stays); inpatient or outpatient dental in most cases; outpatient laboratory screening, etc.

Please refer to your Medicare handbook to verify coverage of services you will be receiving.

You are legally responsible for your bill at the time you receive services from KRHC.

Will you bill my insurance company for me?

Yes. As a service to you, KRHC will bill your insurance company (s) based on the information provided by you at the time of registration. We are able to bill up to three insurance companies for you.
 

When will I receive a bill?

KRHC sends out monthly statements to all patients except those covered by Medicare or Medicaid. You should receive your first statement 22-31 days after you receive services. We do not require payment at that time, if you have insurance coverage.

If you do not have insurance coverage or we do not have your insurance information, we will mail an itemized bill to you 10-14 days after your receive services. Payment can be made by personal check or MasterCard or Visa within 30 days.

Will I receive more than one bill?

Yes, you may receive a bill from more than one provider for the same date of service. These bills are usually for services provided by physicians, by radiologist, pathologists or other professional medical groups. These groups will bill you directly for services they provided.
 

How will I know if my insurance company has paid on my bill?

After your insurance company has paid or denied their portion of your hospital services, we will send you a letter. It will indicate the amount that has been paid and any balance you are required to pay. This is your bill. You have 30 days to pay the balance. If you cannot pay the balance within 30 days, please contact our Credit and Collections department to make payment arrangements.
 

How do I set up a payment arrangement?

Contact our Credit and Collections department and a payment schedule will be developed depending on the remaining balance due. You will be required to make a regular monthly payment. If you miss a payment and do not contact our office, this cancels the payment arrangement and further collection proceedings may be implemented.
 

Where can I pay my bill?

You can mail your payment to:

Kossuth Regional Health Center
1515 S. Phillips Street
Algona, IA 50511

If personalized assistance is needed, please contact our Patient Accounts department at 515.295.2451. Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

What if I just cannot afford to pay my bill?

Contact our Credit and Collections department to see if there is a program for which you qualify. You may be eligible to receive financial assistance on your hospital bill.