What CHI Bill Pay is and how to use it
CHI Bill Pay is the online payment portal run by CommonSpirit Health (formerly known as Catholic Health Initiatives, or CHI). If you received care at a CHI hospital or health system facility, you can use this portal to view your bill, set up a payment plan, or pay what you owe without calling or visiting in person.
The portal works through a website where you log in with your account details. Once you're in, you can see itemized charges, the amount due, and payment deadlines. You can pay the full balance at once, or you can request a payment arrangement if you cannot pay it all immediately.
CHI operates hospitals and clinics across multiple states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. If your bill came from one of these facilities, CHI Bill Pay is likely the system you'll use.
Key Takeaways
- CHI Bill Pay lets you view your hospital bill online and pay directly through their portal without calling the hospital's billing department.
- You can request a payment plan through the portal if you cannot pay the full amount at once, though approval depends on the amount owed and your circumstances.
- To log in, you will need your account number (found on your bill) and personal information to verify your identity.
- If you cannot pay even with a plan, you can ask about financial hardship programs or charity care, which some CHI facilities offer based on income.
How to create an account and log in
Start by visiting the CHI Bill Pay website. You will need your account number, which appears on your hospital bill, usually near the top or in a section labeled "Account Number" or "Patient Account Number." Have your bill in front of you before you begin.
Click the option to create a new account or log in. You will be asked to enter your account number and personal details such as your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or your zip code. CHI uses this information to confirm you are the person responsible for the bill.
Once you verify your identity, you can create a username and password. Write these down or save them in a password manager so you can return to your account later. Some people receive a temporary password by email or text; if so, you will be asked to change it on your first login.
Viewing your bill and understanding the charges
After you log in, your bill will appear on the dashboard. You will see the total amount due, the date it is due, and a breakdown of charges by service or department. For example, you might see separate line items for emergency room, lab work, imaging, or surgery.
Each line item shows the charge amount and sometimes the quantity (such as "2 X-rays" or "1 surgical procedure"). If you do not recognize a charge or want to know what it covers, you can usually click on it for more detail, or you can call the hospital's billing department directly with your account number and ask them to explain it.
The bill will also show any payments you have already made, insurance payments that have been applied, and your remaining balance. If your insurance company has not yet paid their portion, the bill may show what you owe and what is still pending from the insurer.
Making a one-time payment
To pay your bill in full or in part, select the payment option from your account dashboard. You will be asked how much you want to pay and what method you prefer: debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer (ACH).
If you pay by debit or credit card, you may be charged a processing fee, usually between 2 and 3 percent of the amount. Bank account transfers (ACH) typically have no fee or a much smaller one. Check the portal to see which methods are available and what fees apply before you confirm.
After you enter your payment information and confirm, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records. The payment will usually post to your account within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your payment method.
Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full
If you cannot pay the full balance at once, you can request a payment plan directly through the portal. Look for an option labeled "Payment Plan," "Request a Plan," or "Financial Options." You will be asked how much you can pay each month and when you want to start.
CHI will review your request and let you know whether they can offer you a plan. Plans are usually available for balances over a certain amount (often $500 or more, though this varies). If approved, you will receive a new due date and monthly payment amount.
Payment plans typically run for 6 to 24 months, depending on the total balance and what you and the hospital agree to. Once a plan is in place, you can continue to pay through the portal each month, or the hospital may set up automatic payments from your bank account.
What to do if you cannot afford the bill even with a plan
If a payment plan still leaves you unable to pay, ask about financial hardship programs or charity care. Many CHI facilities have these programs for patients whose income falls below a certain level or who face genuine hardship.
To inquire, call the hospital's billing or financial assistance department and ask about hardship programs. You will likely need to provide proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or tax returns) and information about your household size and expenses. Some hospitals have applications you can fill out online or by mail.
Charity care programs can reduce or eliminate your bill if you meet the income threshold. Financial hardship programs may offer a discount or extended payment terms. The amount of help varies by hospital and by your specific situation, so it is worth asking even if you are unsure whether you may have access to.
What happens if you miss a payment or do not pay
If you miss a payment on a plan or do not pay your bill by the due date, the hospital will typically send you a reminder notice. This notice will show the amount overdue and a new deadline to pay.
If you continue not to pay, the hospital may refer your account to a collection agency. Once that happens, the debt will appear on your credit report and collection calls may begin. Collection accounts can damage your credit score and make it harder to borrow money in the future.
If you receive a collection notice or call, you have the right to request proof that the debt is yours and to dispute any errors. You can also contact the hospital's billing department directly to discuss a payment plan before the account goes to collections, as they may be willing to work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use CHI Bill Pay, or can I mail a check instead?
You can usually pay by mail, phone, or in person at the hospital's billing office, though the portal is often the fastest way. If you prefer to mail a check, your bill should show a mailing address. Call the billing department to confirm the address and include your account number on the check.
Can I see my bill if I do not have an account number?
Your account number should be on your bill. If you lost the bill or never received one, call the hospital's billing department with your name, date of birth, and the date of service. They can look up your account and either mail you a bill or help you create a portal account.
What if I think a charge on my bill is wrong?
Call the hospital's billing department and explain which charge you question. Ask them to review it and send you an explanation. If you still disagree, you can request a formal bill review or dispute, though the process and timeline vary by hospital. Do not ignore the bill while disputing it; continue making payments or set up a plan to avoid collection.
Can I pay someone else's hospital bill through CHI Bill Pay?
You can usually pay by phone or mail on behalf of someone else, but the online portal typically requires you to log in with the patient's account information. Call the billing department to discuss paying for another person's bill; they can tell you what information and authorization they need.
Does CHI Bill Pay charge a fee to set up a payment plan?
Most CHI facilities do not charge a fee to set up a payment plan through the portal. However, if you pay by credit card (whether one-time or as part of a plan), a processing fee usually applies. Bank account transfers typically have no fee or a lower one.