IU Health's bill payment system lets you pay online through their patient portal, by phone, or by mail — each route has different timing and what you need to have ready
Indiana University Health operates hospitals and clinics across Indiana. When you receive a bill from IU Health, you have several ways to pay it. The fastest and most direct is their online patient portal, where you can set up a one-time payment or recurring payments if you have multiple bills. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the portal, you can call their billing department or send a check by mail — both work, but mail takes longer to reach them and show up on your account.
The method you choose affects when your payment posts, whether you can set reminders, and what proof of payment you receive. Understanding each option helps you avoid late fees and know exactly when your account will be updated.
Key Takeaways
- IU Health's online patient portal is the fastest way to pay and shows your payment posted within one to two business days.
- You will need your account number from your bill and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) to pay online.
- Phone payments go through IU Health's billing department and take the same time to post as online payments, but you cannot set up recurring payments this way.
- Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date if you want to avoid late fees.
- IU Health does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their portal, but third-party payment platforms may charge a convenience fee.
Paying through the IU Health patient portal online
The IU Health patient portal is called MyChart. You access it through the IU Health website or the MyChart mobile app. To pay a bill through MyChart, you log in with your username and password, navigate to your billing section, and select the bill you want to pay. You will enter your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account information — and the amount you want to pay.
Payments made through MyChart post to your account within one to two business days. You receive an immediate confirmation number on screen and a receipt by email. If you have multiple bills or recurring charges, you can set up automatic payments so the same amount comes out on the same day each month. This is useful if you are on a payment plan with IU Health.
There is no fee for paying through MyChart directly. However, if you use a credit card, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee or treat it as a purchase depending on how they classify medical payments — check with your card issuer if you are unsure.
Paying by phone with IU Health billing
You can call IU Health's billing department to make a payment over the phone. The phone number is on your bill statement. When you call, have your account number and your payment method ready. The representative will walk you through the payment and give you a confirmation number.
Phone payments post in the same timeframe as online payments — one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation number during the call, but you should ask for a follow-up confirmation by email or mail so you have a record. Phone payments do not allow you to set up recurring or automatic payments; you have to call each time you want to pay.
There is no fee for paying by phone through IU Health's official billing line. Do not use third-party payment services that advertise bill payment unless you are certain they are authorized by IU Health, as some charge convenience fees.
Paying by mail with a check or money order
You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Write your account number on the check or money order so IU Health can match it to your account. Mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date to account for postal delivery time.
Mailed payments typically take seven to ten business days to arrive at IU Health's processing center, and another two to three business days to post to your account. This means a check mailed on a Monday might not show up on your account until the following week or later. If your due date is approaching, mailing is not the best option.
Keep a copy of the check or money order number and the date you mailed it. If your payment does not appear on your account within two weeks, contact IU Health's billing department with this information so they can track it down.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
If your bill is not paid by the due date, IU Health will typically add a late fee to your account. The amount varies depending on your bill and your account type. You will receive a notice in the mail or through MyChart alerting you to the late payment and the new amount owed.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact IU Health's billing department before the due date to discuss a payment plan. Many hospitals offer payment plans that let you pay in installments over several months without interest, though some may charge a setup fee. Setting up a plan before you miss a payment is easier than trying to fix it after.
Unpaid medical bills can be sent to a collection agency if they remain unpaid for several months. This will damage your credit score and may result in wage garnishment or a lawsuit, depending on your state. Contacting IU Health early to work out a payment arrangement is much better than ignoring the bill.
Setting up automatic payments through MyChart
If you have recurring IU Health bills — for example, if you are on a payment plan or have ongoing treatment — you can set up automatic payments through MyChart. Log into your account, go to the billing section, and look for the option to set up recurring or automatic payments. You will choose the amount, the frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.), and the date the payment should come out.
Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account or charged to your card on the schedule you set. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through MyChart. If you cancel, make sure you know when your next bill is due so you do not accidentally miss a payment.
Understanding your IU Health bill and account number
Your IU Health bill shows your account number in the upper right corner or near the top of the statement. This number is what ties your payment to your account, so you need it whether you pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you cannot find your account number, call the billing department — they can look it up using your name and date of birth.
Your bill also shows the due date, the amount owed, and the address where to send payments if you are paying by mail. Some bills show multiple charges if you had multiple visits or services. You can pay the full amount or make a partial payment, though partial payments do not stop late fees from accruing on the unpaid balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my IU Health bill with a credit card online?
Yes, you can use a credit card through MyChart. However, your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee or interest on medical payments, so check with them first. Some people use debit cards or bank account payments to avoid these fees.
How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments post within one to two business days. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to arrive and another two to three days to post, so plan for two to three weeks total.
What if I do not have a MyChart account?
You can create one on the IU Health website using your email address and a password. You will need your account number from your bill to link it to your account. If you have trouble setting it up, call IU Health's patient support line for help.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full bill?
Yes. Contact IU Health's billing department before your due date to discuss a payment plan. Many plans are interest-free, though some have a setup fee. Setting up a plan before you miss a payment keeps it off your credit report.
What should I do if I think I was overcharged?
Contact IU Health's billing department with your account number and the specific charge you question. Ask them to review the bill and explain the charge. Do not ignore the bill while disputing it — continue making payments on the amount you do not dispute to avoid late fees.