For many patients and their families, a visit includes filling out unfamiliar forms and answering financial and insurance questions. The information below and the phone numbers that follow can help with this process.

Watsonville Community Hospital will honor assignments of insurance benefits for 45 days from the date of billing to the insurance company. If, at the end of 45 days, the insurance company has not settled the account, Watsonville Community Hospital will look to the patient for the final settlement of the account.

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Medi-Cal/HMO Medi-Cal

If Medi-Cal or an HMO Medi-Cal program covers your service, we will need a copy of your card to verify eligibility and process your claim. You should be aware that Medi-Cal specifically excludes payment for certain items and services such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations, and others. Share of cost is a patient responsibility. The hospital can not bill either program until your share of cost has been met. If you have a share of cost, please contact our patient representative prior to discharge from the hospital at 761-5660.

Bills from Physicians

If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these physicians in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills to you. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive. Some specialists may not participate in, and their services may not be covered by your health care plan.

Insurance Companies

• Insurance companies typically take 45 days to reimburse the hospital for the services you received. We may ask you to assist us in the collection of your account, especially if there is any delay in receiving payment from your insurance company. We may also require you to make payments until a payment is received from your insurance company.
• Insurance plans frequently have limitations and may not pay your account in full. You are responsible for any unpaid balance and may make payment arrangements by contacting our patient representative in person or at (831) 761-5660.

Our goal is to keep the lines of communication open at all times and to find solutions and provide updates to your insurance company quickly.

If You Have No Insurance

Patients who receive services at Watsonville Community Hospital and can not afford to pay for hospital care may be eligible for our charity program or other financial assistance programs. Eligibility for the charity program is primarily based on the annual gross income and number of persons in your family. For more information about eligibility, please call our financial services representatives at (831) 761-5660.