Mount Nittany Medical Center bill pay basics

Mount Nittany Medical Center, part of Penn State Health, sends bills for hospital care, emergency department visits, and outpatient services. You can pay these bills online through their patient portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at their business office. The fastest way is usually the online portal, which lets you set up a one-time payment or recurring payments without calling.

Your first bill will arrive in the mail and include an account number, the amount due, and a due date. Keep that account number handy — you'll need it whether you pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you don't receive a bill within two weeks of your visit, contact the billing department to confirm they have your correct mailing address.

Key Takeaways

  • Mount Nittany's online patient portal is the fastest way to pay and shows your full bill history and any payment plans you've set up.
  • You can pay by phone at the billing department's main line, by mail to the address on your bill, or in person at the business office during business hours.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount, you can request a payment plan directly through the portal or by calling the billing department to discuss your options.
  • Late payments may result in collection agency referral, so contact billing as soon as you know you'll miss a due date rather than waiting.

Paying online through the patient portal

Mount Nittany's patient portal is called MyChart. To use it, go to the Penn State Health website and select the MyChart login. If you don't have an account yet, you can register using your date of birth, Social Security number, and the account number from your bill. Once you're logged in, select "Billing" to see all your outstanding balances and past payments.

From the Billing section, you can pay a single bill or multiple bills at once. You'll enter your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — and the amount. The system will show you the processing time (usually one to two business days for bank transfers, same-day for cards). You'll receive a confirmation number immediately and an email receipt once the payment posts to your account.

MyChart also lets you set up automatic recurring payments if you have a payment plan. This is useful if you've arranged to pay your bill in installments, because the system will deduct the agreed amount on the date you choose each month.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call Mount Nittany's billing department at the number listed on your bill. Have your account number and payment method ready. The representative can process a one-time payment over the phone and will give you a confirmation number. Phone lines are typically open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Mount Nittany Medical Center and include the payment stub from your bill. The stub has the mailing address and your account number printed on it — do not remove the stub, as it helps the billing system match your payment to your account. Mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive, so send it at least a week before your due date if you want to avoid a late payment.

In-person payments are also accepted at the Mount Nittany business office during posted hours. Call ahead to confirm the office location and hours, as they may vary by campus.

What happens if you miss a payment or cannot pay in full

If your bill reaches 30 days past due, Mount Nittany may send a reminder notice. At 60 days past due, they typically refer the account to a collection agency, which will contact you by mail and phone. A collection account will appear on your credit report and can affect your ability to borrow money in the future.

Do not wait until you receive a collection notice to contact billing. As soon as you know you cannot pay by the due date, call the billing department and explain your situation. Mount Nittany offers payment plans that spread your bill over several months, which can prevent the account from being referred to collections. You can also request a payment plan through MyChart in some cases, or by calling to discuss what monthly amount you can afford.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask the billing department whether Mount Nittany has a financial assistance program or charity care policy. Some health systems reduce or forgive bills for patients below certain income thresholds, though you will need to provide proof of income and household size.

Understanding your Mount Nittany bill

Your bill will show the date of service, the department or facility where you received care, and the charges broken down by type (room and board, lab work, imaging, medications, and so on). It will also show any insurance payments that have already been made and your remaining balance. If you have insurance, Mount Nittany will bill your insurer first, and you'll receive a bill for the amount your insurance did not cover.

If you don't understand a charge on your bill, call the billing department and ask for an itemized statement. This document lists every service, supply, and medication you received with its individual cost. You can compare it to your hospital records to make sure you were charged only for services you actually received.

Payment plans and financial hardship options

Mount Nittany allows payment plans for bills over a certain amount, though the threshold varies. You can request a plan through MyChart or by calling the billing department. A representative will discuss how much you can pay each month and set up a schedule. As long as you make your monthly payments on time, the account will not be referred to collections.

If you are uninsured or underinsured and your household income is below a certain level, Mount Nittany may have a financial assistance program that reduces what you owe. The income limits and application process vary, so contact the billing department or the financial assistance office to learn what documentation you'll need to provide. Some programs require you to submit tax returns or recent pay stubs to verify your income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Mount Nittany bill online before it arrives in the mail?

Yes, once you log into MyChart, your bill will appear in the Billing section as soon as it's generated, which is usually within a few days of your visit. You don't have to wait for the paper bill to arrive in the mail to see what you owe or to make a payment.

What should I do if I think I was charged for a service I didn't receive?

Call the billing department and ask for an itemized statement. Compare each charge to your medical records to confirm you received that service. If you find an error, report it to billing in writing and keep a copy for your records. The department will investigate and issue a credit if the charge was incorrect.

Will paying my Mount Nittany bill by credit card cost me extra?

Mount Nittany does not charge a processing fee when you pay by credit card through MyChart or by phone. However, your credit card company may charge you interest if you carry a balance, so paying in full is usually the lowest-cost option.

What if I have insurance but Mount Nittany hasn't received my insurance information yet?

Contact the billing department and provide your insurance details. They will resubmit the claim to your insurer. Once your insurer processes it, Mount Nittany will adjust your bill to reflect the insurance payment. Do not ignore the bill while waiting for this to happen — contact billing to confirm they have your correct insurance information.

Can I set up automatic payments through MyChart?

Yes, if you have a payment plan in place. You can set up recurring payments in MyChart by selecting your billing account, choosing the payment amount and frequency, and entering your payment method. The system will deduct the amount on the date you specify each month.