What UNM Bill Pay is and how to use it
UNM Bill Pay is the online payment system run by University of New Mexico Hospital. It lets you pay medical bills from UNM Health directly through their website without calling or mailing a check. You can pay a single bill, set up a one-time payment, or arrange a payment plan — all from your computer or phone.
To use it, you log into your patient account on the UNM Health website, find your bill, and choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. The system tells you the payment date and confirms the transaction immediately. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your date of birth, medical record number, and Social Security number.
UNM Health also accepts payments by phone, mail, and in person at their billing office. The online system is fastest if you want to pay right away, but the other methods work if you prefer not to use the internet or need to mail a check.
Key Takeaways
- UNM Bill Pay lets you pay through the UNM Health website using a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer without calling or visiting in person.
- You need a patient account to use the online system, which you can create with your date of birth, medical record number, and Social Security number.
- Payments made online usually post within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank and payment method.
- If you cannot pay the full bill at once, you can contact UNM Health billing to discuss a payment plan before your account goes to collections.
How to set up your UNM Health patient account
Start by going to the UNM Health website and selecting the patient portal or online bill pay option. You will see a button to create a new account. Enter your date of birth, medical record number, and Social Security number. UNM Health will verify this information against their records.
Once your account is created, you can log in anytime to view your bills, payment history, and any statements they have sent. Keep your login information in a safe place — do not share it with anyone else. If you forget your password, the website has a reset option that sends a link to your email.
If you do not know your medical record number, call UNM Health billing at the number on your bill. They can look it up using your name and date of birth. Having this number ready before you start makes account setup faster.
Payment methods and what each one costs
UNM Bill Pay accepts three types of payment: debit card, credit card, and electronic bank transfer (ACH). Debit cards and bank transfers usually have no fee. Credit card payments may carry a processing fee — the amount varies depending on the card type and UNM Health's current fee structure, so check the payment screen before you confirm.
Paying by bank transfer is often the cheapest option if you have a checking or savings account. You provide your routing number and account number, and the money moves directly from your bank to UNM Health. This method takes one to two business days to post.
If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address on your bill. Include your account number or medical record number on the check so the payment gets matched to your bill correctly. Mail payments take longer — usually five to ten business days depending on postal delivery and UNM Health's processing time.
Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full
If your bill is large and you cannot pay it all at once, contact UNM Health billing before the account is sent to a collection agency. The billing department can discuss a payment plan with you — usually a series of monthly payments spread over several months. The exact terms depend on the bill amount and your situation.
Payment plans typically do not charge interest, but you must make each payment on time. If you miss a payment, UNM Health may end the plan and pursue collection. Ask the billing department to put the agreement in writing so you both have a record of the terms.
Some people set up automatic payments through UNM Bill Pay to make sure they do not miss a due date. You can schedule a payment for a specific date each month, and the system will process it automatically using the payment method you choose.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your bill goes unpaid past the due date, UNM Health will send you reminder notices by mail. The first notices are usually friendly reminders. If the bill stays unpaid for 60 to 90 days, UNM Health may report it to a credit bureau, which will lower your credit score.
After several months of non-payment, UNM Health may sell the debt to a collection agency or file a lawsuit to recover the money. At that point, the collector can contact you by phone and mail, and a judgment against you could lead to wage garnishment or bank account levies in some states.
If you receive a collection notice, respond to it. You can negotiate a settlement with the collector, set up a payment plan, or dispute the debt if you believe it is wrong. Ignoring the notice does not make it go away and makes your situation worse.
How to check your payment status and history
Log into your UNM Health patient account anytime to see which bills have been paid and which are still outstanding. The system shows the payment date, amount, and method for each transaction. If you paid by mail or phone, it may take a few days for the payment to appear in your online account.
If a payment does not show up after the expected time, contact UNM Health billing with your confirmation number or the date you made the payment. They can look it up in their system and tell you whether it has been received and posted.
Keep copies of your payment confirmations, especially for large payments or if you are on a payment plan. These records protect you if there is ever a dispute about whether you paid.
Other ways to pay if you do not use the online system
You can pay by phone by calling the number on your bill and speaking to a billing representative. Have your bill number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same day if you call during business hours.
You can also pay in person at the UNM Health billing office. The address and hours are on your bill or on the UNM Health website. Bring your bill and a form of payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person payments are posted immediately.
If you have questions about your bill — such as why a charge is there or whether you owe it — the billing office can explain it to you before you pay. This is helpful if you think there is an error on the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my UNM bill with a credit card online?
Yes, UNM Bill Pay accepts credit cards. Be aware that a processing fee may apply depending on the card type. The fee amount appears on the payment screen before you confirm, so you can see the total cost before you submit.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?
Online payments usually post within one to two business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and the payment method you used. If you pay by bank transfer, it may take slightly longer than a debit card payment.
What if I do not have a medical record number?
Call UNM Health billing using the number on your bill. They can look up your medical record number using your name and date of birth. Once you have it, you can create your patient account and use UNM Bill Pay.
Can I set up automatic payments through UNM Bill Pay?
Yes. Once you log into your account, you can schedule a payment for a specific date. The system will process it automatically using the payment method you choose. This helps you avoid missing a payment if you are on a payment plan.
What should I do if I think my bill has an error?
Contact UNM Health billing before you pay. Explain which charge you think is wrong and why. They can review your account and explain the charge or correct it if there is a mistake. It is faster to resolve this before payment than to dispute it afterward.