Patients & Caregivers

Insurance and billing

Patient Financial Services at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center can help you manage the financial side of your cancer treatment.

We have information on insurance, understanding your bills, and organizations that can help with the costs of cancer treatment.

Following the merger of long-time partners, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the organization was renamed to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that also serves as UW Medicine's cancer program. 

Insurance coverage

The types of insurance Fred Hutch accepts, options to consider if you are uninsured, and how to handle insurer requirements for pre-authorizations. Everyone’s insurance is different, so ask your insurance company about your specific plan. 

Fred Hutch participates in most national private health insurance plans and Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 and older or who are disabled. We also participate in Medicaid insurance for patients from Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho.

Federal No Surprise Act (NSA)

Effective January 1, 2022, the federal No Surprises Act is designed to protect patients from surprise bills (also known as balance billing) for emergency services at out-of-network facilities or for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, holding them liable only for in-network cost-sharing amounts. The federal No Surprises Act also enables uninsured patients to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the cost of care.

Washington State Balanced Bill Protection Act (BBPA) (HB 1065) and Federal No Surprise Act (NSA)

Effective January 1, 2020, Washington State law protects you from Surprise or Balance Billing if you receive emergency care at any medical facility or when you're treated at an in-network hospital or outpatient surgical facility by an out-of-network provider. Health care facilities and providers are required to post a list of the commercial health insurer provider networks in which they participate. Effective January 1, 2022, the federal No Surprises Act (NSA), applies a broader scope of plans and services than Washington's BBPA.

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

Important facts about your rights under the “Good Faith Estimate” provision:

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment and hospital fees.
  • Make sure your healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill
  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate

Fred Hutch Networks List (PDF)

Surprise Medical Billing and Balance Billing Notice (PDF)

Your insurance coverage

Everyone’s insurance is different, so ask your insurer about your plan. Is Fred Hutch in your network? Are there deductibles or co-payments that you will have to pay yourself? The amounts will be lower if Fred Hutch is in your health plan’s network.

Ask your insurance provider if your health plan contracts with the organizations that may provide your care here: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington Physicians (the practice group for the doctors who will take care of you), UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s.

Plans on Washington Healthplanfinder

Go to Washington Healthplanfinder

Washington Apple Health enrollment is year-round and you don't need a special enrollment period to apply.

Individuals seeking special enrollment or to request a change can:

  • Contact Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday at (855) 923-4633; TTY: (855) 627-9604; email: askmagi@hca.wa.gov. Help is available in 175 languages. Language assistance and Disability accommodations are provided at no cost.
  • Contact a local certified broker
  • Contact Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services at (206) 606-6226 or toll free at (800) 304-1763
  • Read more information on Washington Healthplanfinder here

Many people seeking insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder will not have in-network coverage for cancer treatment at Fred Hutch. Because this may affect you and your family’s out-of-pocket cost for care, we want to give you information to help you understand your care options during the open enrollment period is every year. It begins November 1 and ends January 15 for coverage to be effective January 1.

Fred Hutch is an in-network provider for the following health care plans:

  • BridgeSpan (RealValue and UW Medicine EPO)
  • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of WA*.
  • LifeWise (Preferred, Assurance, Primary** and Alpine**)
  • Molina Marketplace
  • Premera Individual Signature
  • United Health Care Charter

**Out of network, but able to access Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center with prior authorization

Help understanding insurance

A financial coordinator can assist you with understanding your insurance benefits. Call (206) 606-6226 or toll-free at (800) 304-1763 and ask to be transferred to a financial coordinator. Or, contact your Fred Hutch clinic scheduler to arrange an appointment with a financial coordinator.

If you are receiving a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, you can schedule a meeting with Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services as part of your pre-transplant consultation. 

Bone marrow The soft, spongy material in the center of your bones that produces all your blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Stem cell A cell from which other types of cells develop. For example, blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.
Estimating costs

To find out the estimated charges of a recommended treatment plan, call (206) 606-6226.

Many insurance companies limit payments to "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) fee schedules. Our charges may differ from insurance companies' UCR allowances; you are responsible for payment regardless of your insurer’s UCR limits.

Search Pricing

Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.
Pre-authorization for a service

Health insurers often require pre-authorization for certain services, including CT, MRI, and PET imaging; chemotherapy; radiation therapy; and bone marrow transplants. We will work with you to get pre-authorization from your insurance carrier for services we provide. However, this may not be possible if services are ordered and provided in less than a 48-hour window.

In those situations, we recommend that you contact your insurance carrier for pre-authorization. If your insurance company fails to pay due to lack of pre-authorization, you will be financially responsible for payment.

Contact your primary care doctor’s office for a referral to Fred Hutch if your insurance plan requires a primary care provider referral before you can be treated here.

Bone marrow The soft, spongy material in the center of your bones that produces all your blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Chemotherapy Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It may be given alone or with other treatments. Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, injection, infusion or on the skin, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. It may be given alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or biologic therapy. Computed tomography A procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are used to create three-dimensional (3-D) views of tissues and organs. A procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are taken from different angles and are used to create three-dimensional (3-D) views of tissues and organs. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the tissues and organs show up more clearly. This scan may be used to help diagnose disease, plan treatment or find out how well treatment is working. Imaging In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as X-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves) and radio waves. Magnetic resonance imaging A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones. Radiation therapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body.
If you are uninsured

If you don’t have insurance, a Fred Hutch financial counselor will work with you to find out if you qualify for financial assistance or Medicaid, a jointly funded, federal/state health-insurance program for low-income people.

Fred Hutch directs patients without insurance to their state-specific Health Care Exchange. Washington state residents can use Washington Healthplanfinder to choose a plan based on cost, coverage, convenience, or any other factors that are important to you. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot deny coverage to people with existing conditions.

Go to Washington Healthplanfinder

Clinical trials

Coverage for treatment received as part of a clinical trial varies among health insurance companies. For Medicare beneficiaries, treatment received in clinical trials is covered, with some restrictions. If you have questions, call (206) 606-6226 or toll-free at (800) 304-1763.

Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease.
Help paying for care

Financial assistance is available to Washington state residents based on family need and Fred Hutch resources. A Fred Hutch financial counselor can help you with the applications for financial assistance or public insurance programs such as Medicaid. These programs may help you with your current and future health care bills. Please ask your scheduler for an appointment with a financial counselor or contact one directly at (206) 606-6226 or toll free at (800) 304-1763.

The Affordable Care Act

Fred Hutch supports the goals of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to improve insurance coverage for those who have insurance, to extend affordable coverage to the uninsured, and to improve health care quality and patient safety. In this State, thousands of individuals who do not have health insurance will be able to obtain it through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. And for most cancer patients, the ACA eliminates the challenge of lifetime maximums, ensures coverage for pre-existing conditions, and improves access to clinical trials.

Unfortunately, when it comes to accessing quality cancer care, some Plans offered on the Washington Healthplanfinder will not provide coverage for cancer treatment at Fred Hutch. Because this may affect you and your family, we wanted to provide you with some information to help you navigate your care options. 

Below is a summary of frequently asked questions regarding the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. If you have any personal questions regarding your treatment options, we encourage you to contact your insurance company directly. Our Patient Financial Services team is also available Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm at (800) 304-1763, to discuss options for receiving your care with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurance plans on Washington Healthplanfinder include Fred Hutch?

Fred Hutch is an in-network provider for the following health care plans:

  • BridgeSpan (RealValue and UW Medicine EPO)
  • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of WA*.
  • LifeWise (Preferred, Assurance, Primary** and Alpine**)
  • Molina Marketplace
  • Premera Individual Signature
  • United Health Care Charter

**Out of network, but able to access Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center with prior authorization

What do I do if I am told that my new insurance coverage does not cover my current treatment and care at Fred Hutch?
If your new insurance coverage through Washington Heathplanfinder places Fred Hutch as an out-of-network provider, this may affect your out-of-pocket costs for cancer care. Because each case is unique, it’s important to contact your insurance company to discuss your options. Additionally, our Patient Financial Services team is available discuss options for continuing your care with us. Patient Financial Services is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm at (206) 606-6226 or toll free at (800) 304-1763.

Can I still have treatment at Fred Hutch?
We are committed to providing the best cancer care to all who come to us. However, your individual circumstances and benefits plan may change your coverage, increasing your out-of-pocket costs. To best understand how this change impacts you, we encourage you to contact your insurance company to discuss how your out-of-pocket costs might change. 

Does this impact my Fred Hutch treatment at UW Medical Center - Northwest, Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake, Fred Hutch at EvergreenHealth, Fred Hutch at Overlake Cancer Center, Issaquah, Peninsula, Proton Therapy, or Seattle Children's?
Changes to your insurance coverage may impact your out-of-pocket costs at these sites. To best understand how this change impacts you, we encourage you to contact your insurance company. 

How can I be certain that my doctor is covered by my insurance while I am treated at Fred Hutch?
The best way to understand your coverage is to contact your insurance company and ask them specifically about your doctor. Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services is available to assist you in those conversations as needed. 

What if I have already begun my treatment at the Fred Hutch? The continuity of my care is important to me. Can someone help me advocate for coverage after my insurer has declined payment?
It is important to contact your insurance company early to fully understand any changes to your coverage. Each insurance plan has a different set of criteria regarding continuity of care. 

Will the new insurance company notify me of any changes to coverage? What recourse do I have when I find out my coverage has changed without being notified? 
Your insurance company should contact you about any updates. When discussing any changes, it is important to know details concerning both your provider network as well as benefits plan. Use the following questions as a guide when talking with your insurance company:

  • What health care facilities and doctors are considered “in network”?
  • What health care facilities and doctors are considered “out of network”?
  • What are my out-of-pocket responsibilities for both in-network and out-of-network health care providers?

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
We recommend that you first call the number on the back of your insurance card in order to understand directly from your insurance company what types of care they now cover. If you have concerns about how you can pay for your care or need any additional assistance, please call Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services at (800) 304-1763.

How do I contact Fred Hutch Patient Financial Services with questions or concerns?
Patient Financial Services is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm at (800) 304-1763.

Understanding your bill

Types of bills you will receive:

  • Professional fees are for services provided by your doctors or under their supervision. These bills will come from UW Physicians, the practice group for Fred Hutch doctors.
  • Facility fees are for services provided by a clinic or hospital, such as infusions, lab fees, equipment, supplies, and scans. You will receive facility bills from Fred Hutch or UW Medicine.
Infusion An injection of medications or fluids into a vein over a period of time.

Help with billing questions 

If you have questions, contact the specific billing office listed below for answers.

Fred Hutch South Lake Union, Fred Hutch at EvergreenHealth, Fred Hutch Issaquah, Fred Hutch Peninsula, Fred Hutch at Overlake Medical Center or Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Northwest

  • You will receive a clinic “facility” bill when you receive services from the Fred Hutch South Lake Union, Fred Hutch at EvergreenHealth, Fred Hutch Issaquah, Fred Hutch Peninsula, Fred Hutch at Overlake Medical Center or Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Northwest.
  • For questions about your Fred Hutch clinic bill, call the Fred Hutch Billing Office at (206) 606-6226 or toll-free at (800) 304-1763, or e-mail us at ptacct@seattlecca.org.

billing statement example

UW Medical Center and UW Physicians Single Billing Office

When you visit a Fred Hutch outpatient clinic at UW Medical Center, you will receive a bill from UW Medicine. If you are hospitalized overnight at UW Medical Center, you will receive a bill from either UW Medicine or Fred Hutch. After a visit to any Fred Hutch clinic or hospital, you will receive a bill from UW Physicians for the professional services provided to you by the attending doctor or under their supervision.

Contact information for Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, UW Physicians and UW Neighborhood Clinics

Pay your bill online or message us through MyChart. Patient Accounts and Support Services (206) 520-0400 or +1 (855) 520-0400

Billing your insurer

Fred Hutch participates in most national private health insurance plans and Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 and older or who are disabled. We also participate in Medicaid insurance for patients from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.

You can help us bill your insurance company correctly by providing full information to Fred Hutch Registration and Patient Financial Services when you register. It is important to inform us of any changes to your address, insurance coverage, or employment of the person who is financially responsible for your bills.

When an insurance claim is pending, you will still receive a bill each month if your account has an unpaid balance. You are responsible for payment of your account within the limits of our credit policy (see below).

Depending on your insurance, you may be responsible for a copayment or coinsurance. The amount will depend on the services provided and your insurance coverage.

Fred Hutch credit policy

Payments are due within 30 days after you receive your Fred Hutch , UW Medical Center or UW Physicians bill. If you are unable to pay in full, please contact the appropriate billing office to make payment arrangements. It is important to do this soon after receiving your statements until your account is paid in full, regardless of whether or not you have insurance coverage.

Patient Pricing Info/Estimator

Fred Hutch is committed to being transparent about our charges. We provide both outpatient and inpatient services. The provided information represents our current standard charges for all patients.

Paying your bill

We appreciate your prompt payment.

PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH.

The forms of payment that each facility accepts are described below, along with contact information if you have billing questions.

Online Bill Pay FAQs

How do I view my monthly statement and make payments online?
In order to view your monthly statement and make payments online, you must enroll by entering your Medical Record Number and Patient Name (as reflected on your monthly statement).

What is an Encounter Number?
The Encounter Number corresponds to the number that's printed on your paper statement.  It begins with the number 6 and is an eight digit number (example: 69999999). You will have a different encounter numbers for each date of service you are seen at Fred Hutch.

What is a Medical Record Number?
The Medical Record Number is the number that's printed at the top of the first page of your paper statement under Patient Name. It is a seven digit number. This is the account number used to access your overall account. 

Can another family member access my online account?
A family member can only access your account if you choose to provide that person with your Medical Record Number and password.

Can I still receive my monthly paper statements if I sign up for e-Statements?
No. During the enrollment process, you will be asked if you would like to receive your monthly statements online only, or continue receiving your statements through the mail. Once you elect to receive you monthly statements electronically, you will no longer receive them in the mail. You can always go back to paper by going to your patient profile in the 'My Account' section to change your preference.

Will I continue to receive paper itemizations if I sign up for e-Statements?
No. Itemizations are not included with the billing statements but are available upon request by calling 800-304-1763 or emailing ptacct@seattlecca.org.

Can I contact the Patient Accounting office through e-mail?
Yes, you may e-mail our office at ptacct@seattlecca.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week with questions. You will receive a response from us within two business days.

Can I make payments online without enrolling?
Yes. Please have the Patient Name and Medical Record Number, as indicated on your paper statement, and follow the quick pay instructions.

Will I be able to pay online for multiple visits?
Yes. Please select the visits you would like to pay.

Will I be able view and pay my physician statements from this site?
No, only your Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center statements will be available from this site.

Do I need to establish an electronic payment method to be eligible for the online account manager?
No. When it comes time to pay your bill, you will have the option to either establish an electronic payment method or print a payment stub out on your home printer.

What specific type of electronic payment method can I use?
You can make payment electronically, via credit card or debit card.

Can I print my monthly statement and mail my payment instead of paying electronically?
Yes. You have the option of printing your statement and mailing the payment stub with your check or credit card information. Just click the 'Print Payment Stub' option on the 'Make Payment' page.

Sign In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. In medicine, a sign is something found during a physical exam or from a laboratory test that shows that a person may have a condition or disease. Some examples of signs are fever, swelling, skin rash, high blood pressure and high blood glucose.

Paying your Fred Hutch bill

  • Pay with Fred Hutch's Online Bill Pay using using Visa, MasterCard, debit card or e-check.
  • Pay by mail using check, money order, Visa or Mastercard.
  • Send payments to: P.O. Box 34005, Seattle, WA 98124-1511.
  • Billing inquiries: Call (206) 606-6226 or toll-free (800) 304-1763, or e-mail ptacct@seattlecca.org.

Patient portal

Patients may also pay their bill using Fred Hutch's patient portal, MyChart. 
View More or Activate Your Account

Financial assistance

Financial Assistance is available if your income qualifies. Fred Hutch assists Washington state residents in some cases. Many other organizations can help pay for treatment, medication, housing and other needs.

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