In a time when the health care delivery system is changing rapidly and growing more complex, New Hampshire Hospital Association and its member hospitals are committed to promoting greater transparency around healthcare costs, as well as a better understanding of hospital pricing, billing and insurance coverage, so that healthcare consumers like you can make the best decision for you and family.
KNOW YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS IN 3 EASY STEPS
Step 1 - Determine the Procedure You Need
Determine what procedure or test you will be having. If unsure, this can typically be found on the order for the procedure/test or by calling your provider office.
Step 2- Estimate your procedure costs. There are a few different ways that you can estimate the cost of your procedure.
Call Your Hospital
New Hampshire hospitals welcome the opportunity to help patients better understand the costs associated with their healthcare and better plan for any out-of-pocket costs by providing cost estimates, whether its an outpatient test or procedure, or something more extensive that will require an inpatient stay. Before you call your hospital to find out the cost of your upcoming procedure, review our Patient Checklist for the information you'll need to help you get the best estimate. It's important to remember that procedure costs will vary based on your specific circumstances including health insurance status and changes in coverage; length of time spent in the hospital; additional tests or procedures ordered by your physician; or any unforeseen conditions or circumstances surrounding your care or recovery.
If You Have Insurance
Contact your insurance provider by calling the telephone number on the back of your health insurance member card or by visiting their website. This is especially important if you have an elective procedure. The Affordable Care Act requires health insurance companies to provide pricing information to their customers, including both the hospital portion as well as the physician services.
If You Are Uninsured
New Hampshire hospitals provide care to everyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. If you don’t have health insurance and would like to receive an estimate of your financial responsibility for an upcoming service or procedure, call the Patient Financial Services or Patient Access team at your hospital, and they will help determine the estimated cost of an upcoming service or procedure.
All New Hampshire hospitals provide discounts to uninsured patients and the discount rates vary - call your local hospital to find out more information about their individual discount program.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
Some hospitals do not participate in-network with all insurance plans. If you receive care from an out-of-network hospital or physician it could increase your out-of-pocket costs. To verify your out-of-network services, contact your insurance company directly by calling the number listed on the back of your insurance card.
Common Procedures
The New Hampshire Hospital Association provides a list of the most commonly performed Outpatient Services at hospitals throughout the state, and the costs associated with each, so that you can better prepare for your upcoming procedure. Please note that the costs listed are averages.
NH HealthCost
The New Hampshire Insurance Department provides information for consumers on healthcare costs so that you can compare costs by insurance plan, and incorporate your deductible and co-insurance to help better estimate any out-of-pocket costs at www.nhhealthcost.org.
Step 3 - Determine what makes sense for you!
Now that you have the information you need from your hospital and insurance company, you can make the best decision possible regarding your healthcare and plan for any out-of-pocket costs associated with your upcoming procedure.
Patient Financial Assistance
New Hampshire hospitals treat all patients when they need healthcare services, including those patients who can't afford to pay for their care. There are several programs available to assist patients who can't afford or have trouble paying their medical bills. New Hampshire hospitals offer discount programs and payment plans for those who are having difficulty paying their medical bills. Ask your hospital's Patient Financial Services or Patient Access Services team if you have concerns about your ability to pay for your medical bills.
In addition, New Hampshire hospitals provide charity care programs for patients in need of healthcare services that can't afford to pay for medical care. Your hospital will work with you to help determine if you are eligible for their charity care program.
Additional Consumer Resources
Understanding Healthcare Prices: A Consumer Guide (HFMA)
Understanding Healthcare Prices: A Consumer Guide (HFMA, Spanish)