How to pay a MedStar bill online, by phone, or by mail

MedStar Health operates hospitals and clinics across Maryland and Washington, D.C. When you receive a bill from a MedStar facility, you have several ways to pay: online through their patient portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a hospital location. The fastest method is usually online, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or card. By phone, you can speak to a representative who can answer questions about your bill at the same time you pay.

Your bill will include instructions for payment, including a website address and a phone number specific to your account. Keep those details handy — they route you to the right department faster than calling the main hospital number.

Key Takeaways

  • MedStar bills can be paid online through their patient portal, by calling the number on your bill, by mailing a check, or in person at any MedStar facility.
  • Online payment through the portal is the fastest option and lets you see your full account balance and payment history at the same time.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount, contact MedStar's financial counseling department before the due date to discuss payment plans or financial hardship programs.
  • Your bill statement includes a specific payment phone number and website — using those routes you faster than calling the main hospital number.
  • If you dispute a charge on your bill, you can request an itemized statement and file a complaint with your insurance company or with Maryland's health care ombudsman.

Paying online through the MedStar patient portal

The MedStar patient portal (MyChart) lets you view your bill, make a payment, and set up automatic recurring payments. To access it, go to the MedStar website and look for the patient portal login. You will need to create an account using your date of birth, Social Security number, and a recent bill or medical record number. Once logged in, you can see all outstanding balances across any MedStar facility where you have received care.

When you pay online, you can use a bank account (which usually processes the same day) or a debit or credit card (which may have a processing fee). The portal will show you the fee amount before you confirm the payment. You can also set up automatic payments so that a set amount is withdrawn on a date you choose each month — useful if you are on a payment plan.

Paying by phone or in person

The phone number on your bill connects you to MedStar's patient financial services department. Have your bill and a payment method ready when you call. A representative can answer questions about charges, explain what insurance covered and what you owe, and process your payment over the phone using a bank account or card. Phone lines are typically open during business hours, Monday through Friday.

You can also pay in person at the billing office of any MedStar hospital. Bring your bill and a check, card, or cash. This option is slower than online or phone payment but can be useful if you want to hand over a large payment or discuss your bill face-to-face with a financial counselor.

Paying by mail

Your bill includes a mailing address for payments. Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to that address. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach MedStar and be recorded on your account. If you are close to a due date, mail is the slowest option — consider paying by phone or online instead to avoid a late fee.

Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the money order for your records. If your payment does not appear on your account within two weeks, call the number on your bill to confirm it was received.

What to do if you cannot pay the full amount

If you cannot pay your bill in full by the due date, contact MedStar's financial counseling department before the deadline. They can discuss a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, often with no interest. Some plans allow you to pay as little as $25 or $50 per month. You must set up the plan before you miss a payment — once an account goes to collections, your options narrow.

MedStar also has financial hardship programs for uninsured or underinsured patients with low household income. These programs may reduce or forgive your bill entirely. Ask for the financial counselor when you call, or look for information about financial assistance on the MedStar website. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax return) and household size.

Understanding charges on your bill and disputing them

A MedStar bill lists each service, test, or procedure separately, along with what your insurance paid and what you owe. If a charge seems wrong, ask for an itemized statement that breaks down exactly what was done and when. Compare it to your medical records and your insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) to see if the charge matches what was actually provided.

If you believe a charge is incorrect, contact your insurance company first — they may have denied or underpaid the claim by mistake. If your insurance confirms the charge is correct but you still disagree, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Health Care Commission or the D.C. Department of Health. Both offices investigate billing disputes at no cost to you.

What happens if you miss a payment

If you miss a payment by 30 days, MedStar will likely report it to a credit bureau, which can lower your credit score. After 60 to 90 days, the account may be sent to a collection agency, and you will start receiving calls and letters from the collector. At that point, your options are more limited — the collector may sue you for the debt, and a judgment against you can lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies.

If you miss a payment, call MedStar immediately, even if you cannot pay the full amount. Explain your situation and ask about a payment plan. Many hospitals will pause collection action if you agree to a plan and make the first payment on time. The sooner you contact them, the more options you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up a payment plan without going online?

Yes. Call the number on your bill and ask to speak with a financial counselor about a payment plan. They can set it up over the phone and may be able to start your first payment immediately. You do not need to use the online portal to arrange a plan.

What if I have insurance but MedStar is billing me for something my insurance should have covered?

Contact your insurance company first and ask them to review the claim. If they say they paid correctly, ask MedStar for an itemized statement and compare it to your insurance explanation of benefits. If there is a mismatch, call MedStar's billing department and ask them to resubmit the claim or explain why your insurance was not billed.

Is there a fee for paying by credit card?

Yes, MedStar charges a processing fee for credit card payments, usually 2 to 3 percent of the amount. The fee will be shown before you confirm payment. Paying by bank account (ACH) usually has no fee, and paying by check or cash has no fee.

Can I pay someone else's MedStar bill?

Yes, but you will need the patient's account number and permission. Call the number on the bill and tell the representative you are paying on behalf of someone else. They may ask you to provide the patient's date of birth or other information to confirm you are authorized to pay.

What if my bill went to collections and I want to pay it now?

Contact the collection agency listed on your notice, not MedStar directly. The collector may offer to settle for less than the full amount if you pay in a lump sum. Get any settlement offer in writing before you pay. Once you pay, ask for written confirmation that the debt is satisfied and request that the collector remove the account from your credit report.