If you are a patient of Stillwater Medical Group in Minnesotaās St. Croix Valley and cannot afford the bill, there is a formal program behind it. The group operates within HealthPartners, a nonprofit, member-governed system that offers both a self-pay discount for uninsured patients and needs-based financial assistance. Here is how to use it. Policies change, so verify current details before relying on them.
Does Stillwater Medical Group Offer Financial Assistance?
Yes, through HealthPartners. Uninsured patients can receive a self-pay discount, and those who still cannot afford care can apply for financial assistance based on income and household size. It is a genuine, system-wide program, not a case-by-case favor.
How to Apply
Call the HealthPartners credit department at 1-800-598-2544, or use the financial support page. You can mail a financial-aid application to the HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater Business Office, 1500 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN 55082. Provide proof of income and household size. Apply even after being billed.
Check Coverage First
A counselor can also screen you for Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) and Marketplace coverage before you assume you owe the full amount.
A Practical Order
Call the credit department at 1-800-598-2544 to request an application and ask about the self-pay discount. Mail the completed application with income proof to the Stillwater business office. Have a counselor check your Medical Assistance and Marketplace eligibility. And apply even after the bill arrives.
Know the No Surprises Act
Federal law now shields you from many surprise bills, including with Stillwater Medical Group. It is worth knowing before you pay.
The No Surprises Act limits unexpected out-of-network charges for emergency care and many procedures. If you are uninsured or self-paying, you are also entitled to a written good-faith estimate in advance. If a bill is far higher than that estimate, you may be able to dispute it.
Talk to a Financial Counselor
A quick conversation with Stillwater Medical Groupās billing office can open doors. Financial counselors are there to help.
Explain your situation plainly and ask what hardship options exist, from discounts to assistance applications. Ask for the person who handles financial assistance by name. Being proactive and polite often leads to help that is never advertised.
Get a Cost Estimate First
When you can, ask Stillwater Medical Group for a cost estimate before a procedure. Knowing the price early prevents a shock later.
If you are uninsured or paying yourself, you have the right to a good-faith estimate in writing. Compare it with what other providers charge for the same service. An estimate also gives you a basis to question a bill that arrives much higher.
Negotiate the Balance
A bill from Stillwater Medical Group is not always final. Many balances can be reduced with a single phone call.
Ask for the self-pay or cash price, which is often lower than the billed amount. If you can offer a lump sum, ask for a settlement discount. Providers would rather recover part of a bill than send it to collections, so a reasonable offer is often accepted.
Help With Prescription Costs
If Stillwater Medical Group prescribes medication, the pharmacy bill can add up. Several tools bring the cost down.
Ask whether a generic exists, use a discount service like GoodRx, and look into manufacturer patient-assistance programs for expensive drugs. The prescribing office can often point you to the right program. These savings are separate from your medical bill and easy to overlook.
Keep Records and Watch Deadlines
Good records protect you when dealing with Stillwater Medical Group. A simple system prevents costly mistakes.
Keep every statement, note what you paid and when, and mark any deadlines for assistance applications or appeals. If you set up a payment plan, get the terms in writing. Organized paperwork makes any dispute far easier to win.
Protect Yourself From Billing Scams
Medical bills attract scammers, so stay alert with anything claiming to be from Stillwater Medical Group. Real billing does not work by pressure.
A legitimate office will not demand payment by gift card or threaten instant arrest over the phone. When in doubt, hang up and call the number on your official statement. Never share card or bank details with an unexpected caller.
Use the Online Billing Portal
Most practices, including Stillwater Medical Group, offer an online patient portal. It makes billing much easier to manage.
Through the portal you can view itemized charges, pay securely, set up a plan, and message the billing office with questions. Having everything in one place helps you catch errors and track what you owe. Ask the front desk how to sign up.
Stillwater Medical Group Billing FAQs
What help is available?
A self-pay discount for uninsured patients plus needs-based financial assistance through HealthPartners, based on income and household size.
Who do I call?
The HealthPartners credit department at 1-800-598-2544.
Where do I send the application?
HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater Business Office, 1500 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN 55082.
