Financial Assistance

Arkansas Children's is now offering on-site application assistance in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for patients and families who report experiencing food insecurity. Our financial counselors can provide application assistance to families reporting food insecurity issues, and a mobile enrollment unit staffed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) officials will be on campus periodically for on-campus enrollment assistance as well. Call a Financial Counselor in Admissions at 501-364-1230.

It is the policy of Arkansas Children’s (ACH, ACNW), and all legally affiliated clinics to pursue the collection of patient balances from patients or the patient’s guarantor. Arkansas Children’s will make reasonable efforts to identify patients who may be eligible for financial assistance under federal, state and/or local programs. All collection procedures will comply with applicable laws and within the mission of Arkansas Children’s. Arkansas Children’s does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Noninsured

Arkansas Children’s charges all patient types the same regardless to whether insured or not insured. Charges receive an automatic 10% self-pay adjustment and may be eligible for a 10% prompt pay adjustment if requested by guarantor and balance paid in full within 30 days of request/offer.

Insured

Arkansas Children’s charges all patient types the same regardless to whether insured or not insured. In-Network charges receive the in-network contractual adjustment for the network and guarantor’s out of pocket, based on member benefits. Out-of-Network charges will follow the No Surprises Act Federal Regulations regarding balance billing for out of network providers.

Payment Plans, (apply to all Self-Pay balances)

Payment plans are available with terms ranging from 1/10th the balance to 60 months depending on the total balance.

Supplementary plans, (non-health insurance plans)

Arkansas Children’s will assist guarantors in filing non-health insurance plans by providing detail bills and/or UBO4 and HCFA1500 claim forms. Outstanding balances remaining after 90 days of initial claim to supplementary plan will transfer to guarantor responsibility.

Financial Assistance

Please see Arkansas Children’s Financial Assistance Policy.

Collection Process

Billing statements are mailed every 28 days and available via MyChart and SMS notification, which generate periodically during the billing cycle. Past-Due accounts will also receive letters and phone calls in order to make a reasonable effort to collect.

Extraordinary Collections

Arkansas Children’s does not participate in extraordinary collection practices.

Registration and front desk personnel now request up-front payment for patients’ co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles, previous balances, and/or pre-established deposits. Communication to patients prior to service now clearly states this expectation and includes financial assistance counseling where appropriate.

Meeting patient needs will always be our priority. Those who are unable to meet their financial obligations at the time of service may receive information to pursue financial assistance.

If you are unable to make your payment or have a question about the cost for treatment, please ask about payment options or financial assistance when you arrive for your visit, or by calling our Financial Counseling department (1-800-280-1230) prior to your visit.

If you have been in the hospital, you will receive a bill listing the charges. Hospital bills can be complex and confusing. While it may seem hard to do, you should look closely at the bill and ask questions if you see something you do not understand.

A hospital bill will list the major charges from your visit. It lists the services you received (such as procedures and tests), as well as medicines and supplies. Most of the time, you will get a separate bill for health care provider fees. It is a good idea to ask for a more detailed hospital bill with all of the charges described separately. That can help you make sure the bill is correct.

If you have insurance, you may also get a form from your insurance company, called an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This is not a bill. It explains:

• What is covered by your insurance
• Amount of payment made and to whom
• Deductibles or coinsurance

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay each year to cover your medical care expenses before your insurance policy starts to pay. Coinsurance is the amount you pay for medical care after you have met your health insurance deductible. It is often given as a percentage.

The information on the EOB should match your hospital bill. If it does not, or there is something you do not understand, call your insurance company.

We offer information and resources to make it as easy as possible for you to understand your health care costs.

The hospital charges listed are what Arkansas Children’s determines to be the appropriate cost to treat the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and procedures. The hospital charge is not typically what you have to pay. Please note that your actual cost may vary from what you see here.

Most patients are covered by either private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Private health insurance companies, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, pay what is called allowable reimbursements.

If you have health insurance, the allowable reimbursement is what must be paid for treatment. Depending on your health insurance benefits policy, you may be responsible for paying all or part of that allowable reimbursement.

Due to the different physician groups and hospitals within Arkansas Children’s, most inpatient physician services and hospital services are billed separately. You or your insurance company are also responsible for physician charges.

Physician Services include but are not limited to:

• Examinations

• Interpretations of tests

• Surgical procedures

• Consultations performed by physicians and, in some instances, physician assistants and nurse practitioners

Hospitals Services include but are not limited to:

• Laboratory

• Radiology and other testing services (referred to as ancillary services)

• Operating room services

• Emergency

• Pharmacy

• Medical supplies

• Inpatient room and board

• Other services provided by the hospital

If you are a member of a health insurance plan:

• We will need a copy of your insurance identification card.

• We also may need the insurance forms supplied by your employer or the insurance company.

• You will be asked to assign benefits (or request payment) from the insurance company directly to.

• Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures.

• You are responsible for meeting the requirements of your health insurance plan.

• If your plan’s requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services you receive.

If you are covered by Medicare:

• We will need a copy of your Medicare card to confirm eligibility and process your Medicare claim.

• You are responsible for paying deductibles and co-payments.

• Medicare specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others.

If you are covered by Medicaid or a PASSE program:

• We will need a copy of your Medicaid card and or PASSE card

• Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures.