Help Paying Your Bill
Valley Children's Healthcare is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive services to children, regardless of ability to pay. To better support our patients and their families, we offer various programs to help cover medical bills for the services provided. For more information, please contact our Patient Financial Services department at 559-353-7009, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Financial Assistance Program
The Financial Assistance Program is designed to support patients and their families who are unable to afford medical care due to financial hardship. Individuals may qualify for financial assistance if they are uninsured, underinsured, not able to get government health care benefits, have an injury not covered by workers' compensation, car insurance, or other insurance, as determined by the hospital, or who cannot pay for their care.
To determine eligibility for financial help, patients must complete an application (English | Spanish) and submit supporting documents that demonstrate financial need, including proof of income.
Type of Assistance
Patients who qualify for financial assistance may receive either a full or partial discount equivalent to no more than Medi-Cal rates.
Fees Charged to Eligible Patients for Financial Assistance
Patients who receive financial assistance will not be required to pay more than the rates generally allowed for Medi-Cal-covered patients. The limit of fees applies to patient payment obligations for emergent and medically necessary care.
Prompt Pay Discount
Patients who agree to pay the balance of their bill in full within 30 days of the date of service may be eligible for a prompt pay discount. This discount does not apply to copayments, deductibles, or Medi-Cal share-of-cost balances.
Discount Payment Options
Additional discount options may be available based on the financial needs of individuals requesting assistance. If a person qualifies for multiple discounts, they will receive the one that provides them with the greatest benefit. Available discounted payment options include uninsured discounts, high medical cost discounts, and prompt pay discounts. Discounts may also be considered for individuals who receive lower rates through their insurance or healthcare plans.
When determining high medical costs, out-of-pocket expenses include medical care that is not covered by insurance or a health coverage program, such as deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, cost-sharing, including Medicare copays or Medi-Cal cost-sharing.
Payment Plans
A monthly, interest-free payment plan is available to help patients pay their medical bills. When determining the amount of a monthly payment plan, financial responsibilities and family income will be considered along with any other relevant information.
How to Apply
We're proud to offer three convenient ways for patients to apply for help paying their medical bills. Select from the accordions below to learn more.
Using your MyChart account, you can easily apply for financial assistance (charity care and discount payment program) directly through the platform:
- Login to your MyChart account
- Click "Menu" in the top left corner of your screen (may appear as three horizontal lines only on mobile)
- Scroll down to "Billing" and select "Financial Assistance"
- Follow the directions on your screen and upload the specified documents to complete your application.
Don't have a MyChart account? Learn more about the online platform and how you can sign up for a free account.
If it's more convenient, you can print out and submit a paper application for financial assistance (charity care and discount payment program).
- Print and complete the Financial Assistance Application (English | Spanish)
- Collect the documents needed to complete the application
- Send all completed forms to:
Valley Children’s Hospital
9300 Valley Children’s Place
Madera, CA 93636
Mailstop FP-103 Patient Financial Services
If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, please call Patient Financial Services at 559-353-7009 or 800-956-2445 Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. PST.
You can contact Patient Financial Services at 559-353-7009 or 800-956-2445 to speak with a representative to help you navigate through the Financial Assistance (Charity Care and Discounted Payment Program) process. Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. PST.
More Help
Estimates of charges for shoppable services such as standard visits, procedures or surgery including co-pay and deductible estimates are available by referencing “Cost Estimates.”
To understand the billing and payment processes, Valley Children’s Financial Assistance Policy (English | Spanish), application (English | Spanish), and Help Paying Your Bill Summary (English | Spanish) are available. Interpreters are available to address other language needs.
Medi-Cal and California Children’s Services (CCS) Eligibility
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Valley Children's has free, onsite staff who can help patients who may qualify for Medi-Cal with the application process. We have staff members who are certified to provide presumptive eligibility to patients who meet Medi-Cal criteria. For more information on the Medi-Cal program, please visit dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal or call 800-709-8348. You can also contact the Admissions Department for more information at 559-353-5150.
CCS is a state health care program for children up to the age of 21 with certain diseases or health problems. To qualify for the CCS program, a child must have a CCS-eligible condition, reside in California, and meet financial eligibility. Children enrolled in Medi-Cal may qualify for CCS. Contact your local CCS county office to find out more about the CCS program or go to dhcs.ca.gov/services/ccs. You can also contact Patient Financial Services for more information at 559-353-7009.
Insurance Options
Covered California is available to help obtain health insurance regardless of income and health history. For more information visit: coveredca.com or call 800-300-1506.
There are free consumer advocacy organizations that will help you understand the billing and payment process. You may call the Health Consumer Alliance at 888-804-3536 or go to healthconsumer.org for more information.
Hospital Bill Complaint Program
The Hospital Bill Complaint Program is a state program, which reviews hospital decisions about whether you qualify for help paying your hospital bill. If you believe you were wrongly denied financial assistance, you may file a complaint with the State of California's Hospital Bill Complaint Program. Go to hospitalbillcomplaintprogram.hcai.ca.gov/ for more information and to file a complaint.
A list of covered and non-covered providers by the Valley Children’s Financial Assistance Policy is maintained in a document separate from the Financial Assistance Policy and members of the public may readily obtain the list free of charge, both online and on paper, as required by IRS Notice 2015-46.
For a paper copy, please contact Patient Financial Services at 559-353-7009