What Natera bill pay is and how it works
Natera bill pay is the payment system Natera uses to collect money for lab tests and genetic screening services. When you receive a bill from Natera after a test, you can pay it through their online portal, by phone, or by mail. The bill will show what you owe, which may be your insurance copay, coinsurance, or the full test cost if your insurance did not cover it.
Natera sends bills after the lab processes your test results and submits a claim to your insurance company. If your insurance covers part of the cost, your bill reflects only what you owe out of pocket. The amount depends on your insurance plan and whether the test was ordered as preventive screening or diagnostic.
You do not have to pay immediately when you receive the bill. Natera typically gives you a window of time to pay, though the exact deadline varies. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can contact Natera's billing department to discuss payment plans or financial hardship options.
Key Takeaways
- Your Natera bill shows only the amount your insurance did not cover, unless you have no insurance or your plan does not cover the test.
- You can pay online through Natera's patient portal, by phone with a representative, or by mailing a check to the address on your bill.
- Natera offers payment plans for bills you cannot pay in full, and you should contact their billing department directly to set one up.
- If you believe your bill is wrong, ask Natera for an itemized statement showing what each charge covers before you pay.
- Unpaid bills may be sent to a collection agency, which will damage your credit score and may result in legal action.
How to pay your Natera bill online
The fastest way to pay is through Natera's online patient portal. Go to Natera's website and log into your account using the username and password you created when you registered. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your date of birth and the account number from your bill.
Once you are logged in, look for a "Pay My Bill" or "Billing" section. Select the bill you want to pay, review the amount, and choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer. Enter your payment information and confirm the transaction. You should receive a confirmation number and email receipt immediately.
Online payment usually processes within one to two business days. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to dispute the charge or prove you paid.
Paying by phone or mail
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call Natera's billing department. The phone number is on your bill. Have your bill number and payment method ready. A representative will process your payment over the phone and give you a confirmation number.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address listed on your bill. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown. Payment by mail takes longer — typically five to ten business days to process — so send it early if you have a deadline.
What happens if you cannot pay the full amount
If your bill is more than you can afford right now, contact Natera's billing department before the due date. Explain your situation and ask about a payment plan. Natera may allow you to split the bill into monthly payments with no interest, depending on the amount and your circumstances.
Some people are also may be able to access for financial hardship programs that reduce or forgive the bill entirely. Natera's billing team can tell you whether you may have access to based on your income and household size. You may need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns.
The key is to contact them before you miss a payment. Once a bill goes unpaid for 60 to 90 days, Natera may report it to a collection agency, which will appear on your credit report and make it harder to borrow money in the future.
Understanding charges on your Natera bill
Your Natera bill lists the test name, the date it was performed, and the total charge. Below that, it shows what your insurance paid and what you owe. If you do not understand a charge, ask Natera for an itemized bill that breaks down each component of the test cost.
Some tests have multiple components — for example, a prenatal screening might include an initial test and a follow-up test if results are unclear. Each component may be billed separately. If you were told the test would cost a certain amount and your bill is higher, contact Natera to find out why before you pay.
If your insurance denied the claim or covered less than you expected, Natera's billing team can explain what your insurance company said. Sometimes you can appeal an insurance denial, and Natera may help with that process.
What to do if you disagree with your bill
If you believe Natera billed you incorrectly, do not ignore the bill. Contact their billing department and explain the problem. Ask them to send you an itemized statement showing exactly what you are being charged for.
Common billing disputes include being charged for a test your insurance should have covered, being billed twice for the same test, or being charged for a test you did not authorize. Natera's billing team can investigate these issues and correct them if they find an error.
If Natera does not resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or the health department. Keep copies of all bills, emails, and payment records in case you need them later.
How unpaid bills affect your credit and what comes next
If you do not pay your Natera bill, the company will send you reminder notices by mail or email. After 60 to 90 days of non-payment, Natera typically sells the debt to a collection agency. The collection agency will contact you by phone, mail, or email asking you to pay.
Once a debt goes to collections, it appears on your credit report and damages your credit score. This makes it harder and more expensive to borrow money for a car, home, or credit card. The collection account stays on your report for seven years from the date you first missed the payment.
If you still do not pay, the collection agency may file a lawsuit against you. If they win, they can garnish your wages or place a lien on your property. The best time to address an unpaid bill is before it goes to collections — contact Natera's billing department as soon as you know you cannot pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Natera bill with insurance?
No. Your insurance company pays Natera directly for the portion of the test they cover. Your bill shows only what your insurance did not pay. You pay Natera the amount on your bill using your own money, credit card, debit card, or bank account.
What if I lose my bill or do not receive one?
Log into your Natera patient portal and look for your bill there. If you cannot find it online, call Natera's billing department with your date of birth and they can look up your account and resend the bill by email or mail.
Does Natera accept payment plans with interest?
Natera typically offers interest-free payment plans. However, if you use a credit card to pay and carry a balance, your credit card company will charge you interest. Ask Natera about their payment plan options before you use a credit card.
What if my insurance company says they will not pay?
You are responsible for the full bill if your insurance denies it. Contact Natera's billing department to understand why the claim was denied. Some denials can be appealed, and Natera may help you file an appeal with your insurance company.
How long does it take to receive a bill after my test?
Natera usually sends a bill two to four weeks after your test results are finalized and the insurance claim is processed. The timing depends on how quickly your insurance company responds to the claim.