Upfront collection of co-pays begins next week at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics

Beginning Monday, April 1, Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) and Clinics will begin to collect the co-pay from patients at the time of their appointments. This will only apply to patients who have a health insurance plan that includes a co-pay option. Patients are encouraged to review their health insurance plans to know if their plan has a co-pay option or not.

“It’s so important that patients take the time to review their health insurance plan closely to see what their benefits truly are and if they have a co-pay for certain services. If they don’t have a co-pay on their plan, then they will be billed as normal and will not need to pay the day of service,” explains Denise Wullner, Business Office Supervisor at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. “We are finding that many patients are being confused by commercials and the word advantage in their health insurance plan.”

Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinic receptionists will be accepting cash, check, credit card and debit card for these upfront co-pay payments. Typically the departments that may fall under a co-pay includes clinic visits, appointments with a specialists (such as a podiatrist), and rehabilitation sessions. These co-pay amounts have been set for the patient by the insurance company.

Wullner also advises, “Buy your plans from a reputable agent who you can go back to and discuss your plan with and get your questions answered. Review your plan benefits and always read the fine print.”

Again, upfront co-payments will be required at all appointments at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Clinics beginning Monday, April 1. For questions, feel free to call the hospital at 563-568-3411.